Defence Ministers Visit Troops in Borno, Reaffirm Anti-Terror Fight

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, have visited troops at the Headquarters Theatre Command of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri, Borno State, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to ending insurgency.

The ministers said the visit was aimed at assessing ongoing counter-insurgency operations and boosting troop morale amid renewed security challenges in the North-East.

Addressing journalists, Musa commended the Armed Forces for what he described as significant progress in tackling insurgency, attributing recent gains to improved coordination and professionalism among troops.

He reiterated the commitment of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to addressing insecurity, stressing the need for sustained national support.

During their engagement with troops, the ministers conveyed the President’s appreciation for their sacrifices and urged them to maintain momentum in ongoing operations.

They also paid tribute to fallen soldiers at the Maiduguri Military Cemetery, laying wreaths in honour of personnel who died in active service.

As part of the visit, the ministers inspected a newly constructed Command and Control Centre designed to enhance intelligence gathering and operational coordination, and commissioned new accommodation facilities to improve troop welfare.

The Theatre Commander, Abdulsalam Abubakar, briefed the ministers on recent operational successes, including the neutralisation of over 280 criminal elements during the Ramadan period, disruption of logistics networks, and rescue of abducted civilians through coordinated land and air offensives.

The ministers also paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, commending the traditional institution for its continued support to the military and acknowledging the resilience of residents in the region.

At the Borno State Government House, they were received by the deputy governor, where both sides reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration to improve security.

Recent attacks in Maiduguri, including bomb explosions at the Post Office area and Monday Market in March 2026, left at least 23 people dead and over 100 injured, underscoring the persistent threat of insurgency despite intensified military operations.