COAS Hails Borno Government’s Support, Says Public Cooperation Critical to Defeating Terrorism

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for sustained public cooperation and timely intelligence sharing to defeat terrorism and achieve lasting peace and security in Nigeria’s North-East.

Shaibu made the call on Saturday during a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, at the Government House in Maiduguri, as part of his operational visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI.

The Army Chief commended the Borno State Government and residents for their continued support for troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations, describing their contributions as critical to sustaining military operations and consolidating security gains across the state.

He particularly acknowledged the state government's interventions in logistics, provision of operational equipment and other support facilities, troop welfare, and assistance to families of fallen soldiers.

According to him, these interventions have boosted troop  and enhanced operational effectiveness in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

Shaibu stressed that military operations alone would not be sufficient to defeat terrorism, noting that public trust, community cooperation and credible intelligence remain essential to identifying terrorist hideouts, disrupting criminal networks and preventing attacks.

He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and reliable information that could assist troops in tackling terrorist activities.

The COAS also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to protecting lives and property, facilitating the safe return of displaced persons and supporting efforts to restore normalcy in communities affected by insurgency.

He assured the Borno State Government and other stakeholders of the Army's readiness to strengthen collaboration with relevant security agencies and civilian authorities to consolidate operational successes and achieve sustainable peace in the region.

Responding, Governor Zulum commended the Army Chief for his leadership and praised the Theatre Commander, Sector Commanders, officers and soldiers of Operation HADIN KAI for their sacrifices, resilience and professionalism in the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign.

The governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to supporting military operations, emphasising that security was fundamental to economic recovery, humanitarian assistance and sustainable development in the state.

He also called for stronger military-civilian cooperation to address persistent security and humanitarian challenges, particularly the safe resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the reconstruction of communities devastated by insurgency.

The visit formed part of the COAS's operational engagement with troops and key stakeholders in the North-East aimed at strengthening collaboration and sustaining efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.