Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
MAJOR General Shamsudeen Shafaru, the Commander Corps of Engineers (CCE) of the Nigerian Army, has praised the resilience and professionalism of troops engaged in Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the ongoing military offensive against insurgency in the North East.
The commendation came during his five-day operational assessment visit to the Theatre of OPHK, which began on Wednesday, 28th January 2026. During the visit, Major General Shafaru toured various sectors, components, formations, and units of the Joint Task Force (North East), including the Headquarters Theatre Command.
Speaking at the OPHK headquarters on Thursday, 29th January, Major General Shafaru expressed admiration for the dedication and bravery of the troops, particularly the Nigerian Army Engineers (NAE), who have played a critical role in the operational successes of the mission.
He noted that despite the challenging terrain and the psychological strain of asymmetric warfare, the engineers have remained steadfast and contributed significantly to the mission’s achievements.
The visit was aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s philosophy to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, and resilient force. Major General Shafaru reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the NAE personnel, especially in the North East, and pledged to equip the troops with modern engineering platforms and advanced equipment to boost operational effectiveness.
The Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed his gratitude for the visit, describing it as both timely and strategic in light of evolving security challenges.
He underscored the vital role of Nigerian Army Engineers in countering these threats and appealed for continued support to ensure mission success.
The operational assessment visit culminated on Sunday, 1st February 2026, with operational briefings, souvenir exchanges, a tour of selected sectors, and group photographs, reinforcing the collaborative efforts in the fight against terrorism in the region.
