The Nigerian Army has established two military bases in the Duji and Kekeno communities to enhance counter-terrorism operations in the Northeast, the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, has announced.
Speaking at a Christmas luncheon for wounded troops at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, General Shuaibu, represented by Major General Godwin Mutkut, said the newly established Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) will strengthen operations in the Lake Chad region and Sambisa Forest. He described the troops as special soldiers committed to ending the 16-year Boko Haram insurgency affecting Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, highlighted the successes of troops this year, including:
- Recovery of 254 assorted weapons
- Rescue of 366 civilians from terrorists’ enclaves
- Interception of 300 Starlink communication devices
- Surrender of 881 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists and their families
In addition to the Northeast bases, Lt-Gen. Shuaibu approved key infrastructural developments for the newly established 248 Battalion at Illela Barracks, Sokoto State, including:
- Construction of additional accommodation
- Development of a parade ground
- Building an access road to the barracks
The Army Chief encouraged young officers, especially lieutenants, to take training and leadership seriously, emphasizing that their conduct will shape the discipline and performance of soldiers under their command.
Shuaibu urged troops to take pride in being pioneers of the units, noting that the facilities and operational capabilities would improve gradually, laying the foundation for a strong, effective, and well-led military presence in strategic regions of Nigeria.
