Minister Evaluates Maiduguri Troops’ Readiness in Ongoing Operation HADIN KAI

High-Level Visit to Maiduguri Reveals Ongoing Push Against Insurgency

If you’ve been following news from Nigeria’s North East, you know the drama that unfolds there is anything but calm. This week, Maiduguri became the stage for a high-stakes inspection as Defence Minister, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, and Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, walked into the heart of Operation HADIN KAI’s Theatre Command. Their agenda? Get a clear look at how battle-ready the troops are and let them know HQ’s got their back.

The timing is crucial. Borno State’s military base is a nerve center for Nigeria’s fight against the notorious Boko Haram and other armed groups still causing havoc. With the region’s history of insurgency, a visit like this isn’t just a box to check—it’s a statement that the top brass are rolling up their sleeves to see the action first-hand.

Assessing the Troops—and Their Morale

One of the loudest messages from their trip was support for those on the front lines. The minister dropped by the 212 Battalion in Maiduguri, facing soldiers who’ve been nose-to-the-grindstone in the difficult terrain of the North East. Standing among uniforms and camouflage, he didn’t waste words. He thanked them for sticking through rough assignments and reminded every troop that their commitment isn’t going unnoticed.

Dr. Matawalle also didn't shy away from talking tough. The troops got direct encouragement to double down on the mission, with reminders about why the stakes are high. These men and women are not only holding ground—they’re defending the whole country’s borders and integrity. His words signaled a blend of gratitude and a nudge to keep their eyes on the bigger picture: restoring peace in areas battered by repeated attacks.

And it’s not all speeches. Part of this visit was to get leaders’ hands dirty in the business of oversight. They looked into how operations were unfolding, evaluating everything from resource deployment to logistics, always searching for ways to remove bottlenecks and give the people on the ground exactly what they need to succeed.

The Theatre Command has chalked up some wins recently too. In the past months, there have been reports of hundreds of Boko Haram fighters, along with their families, giving up arms. That’s not something that happens every day, and it’s proof that the push from soldiers—plus some behind-the-scenes maneuvering—is making waves among insurgent ranks.

Officials are betting that this kind of progress can continue. And that’s where sustained visits like this come in. Real engagement from leadership isn’t just for the photo op. In these conditions, it gives soldiers a morale boost and reassures them that their daily grit isn’t hidden behind the fog of war. A nod from the top after weeks of night patrols and tense moments can mean the difference between fatigue and determination.

It’s a complicated war—one that doesn’t just end after one victory. The Armed Forces' determination to secure every inch of Nigeria's territory is being watched on all sides, and the recent operational reviews show that, at least for now, the men and women at Maiduguri’s Theatre Command are not letting up.