By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
In a decisive move to fortify the ongoing battle against terrorism in Nigeria’s volatile North East, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, landed in Maiduguri, Borno State on Thursday, January 1, 2026, for a high-profile visit to the Headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the Joint Task Force at the heart of the war on terror.
The visit was marked by a call to action, as Vice Admiral Abbas rallied the troops, extending heartfelt New Year greetings and praising their bravery in the ongoing fight to reclaim the region from extremist forces.
But it wasn’t just ceremonial; the CNS delivered a clear message of unwavering support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing gratitude for the operational victories that have curbed terrorism and underscoring the need for a sustained, united effort in the year ahead.
As the operations in the North East intensify, Vice Admiral Abbas highlighted one of the most pressing themes of the day: joint military operations.
He urged the combined forces of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force to strengthen their collaboration, pointing out that such unity not only amplifies operational efficiency but also positions the Nigerian military to respond swiftly to any new threat.
A key point of his address was the Navy’s critical role in securing the region’s waterways, particularly around Lake Chad, an area central to the fight for territorial control and local economic survival.
Vice Admiral Abbas spoke to the impact of a sustained naval presence in the region, noting that the reopening of key waterways has already begun to revitalize local economies by allowing fishermen, farmers, and traders to return to their livelihoods.
The Navy, he stated, remains committed to ensuring peace, security, and the economic revival of the region.
As part of the visit, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, gave Vice Admiral Abbas a comprehensive operational brief.
General Abubakar underscored the Nigerian Navy’s invaluable contributions to stabilizing the Lake Chad Islands, emphasizing that maritime dominance was pivotal to the success of the mission and the broader goal of regional stability.
The day’s activities included a site inspection of the Naval Base Annex along Monguno Road, where Vice Admiral Abbas conducted an on-the-ground evaluation of the Navy’s facilities and infrastructure.
He also visited the Naval Base Lake Chad Command in Baga, engaging directly with troops stationed at Fish Dam, a strategic location in the region.
The CNS concluded his visit with a riverine patrol of the Lake Chad Waterways to assess the level of clearance achieved and the ongoing efforts to secure the waterways from insurgent activity.
The operational focus was not just military, however.
During his visit, Vice Admiral Abbas hosted a New Year Luncheon with the troops, emphasizing camaraderie and the importance of morale in sustaining their mission.
In a significant diplomatic move, the CNS also held a courtesy call with Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
The two discussed ways to deepen cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and the state government, with a particular focus on the protection of the Lake Chad waterways and the promotion of socio-economic growth in the region.
Governor Zulum lauded the Navy’s achievements in the region, but also called for intensified operations to maintain peace and ensure the long-term stability of the North East.
The visit was a convergence of military strategy, diplomacy, and operational collaboration, bringing together senior officers, including the Deputy Theatre Commander, the General Officer Commanding 7 Division, and other key military and naval personnel.
The day included operational briefings, interactive sessions, and ceremonial exchanges all focused on strengthening the Nigerian military’s resolve in the fight against terrorism.
The visit marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s North East counterterrorism efforts, with the Nigerian Navy playing a central role in the battle for regional stability and economic recovery.
As Vice Admiral Abbas’ visit proves, unity in operations and coordination among all military branches remain the key to victory in the fight against extremism in the Lake Chad Basin.
