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The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has called on retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian Legion to sustain their support to ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations by providing timely, credible and actionable intelligence to thwart the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements across the North-East.
The Theatre Commander made the call on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, while receiving separate courtesy visits from the leadership of the Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces (REMANAF) and the Nigerian Legion, Borno State Chapter, at the Headquarters, Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri.
He congratulated the newly elected executives of both associations and commended their enduring commitment to national security and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Major General Abubakar acknowledged the invaluable contributions of military veterans to the operational successes recorded by Operation HADIN KAI. He observed that the asymmetric nature of the ongoing conflict demands sustained intelligence sharing, effective civil-military cooperation and seamless communication to deny terrorists freedom of action, disrupt their logistics networks and enhance the operational effectiveness of troops in the theatre. Furthermore, the Theatre Commander described REMANAF and the Nigerian Legion as custodians of the Armed Forces’ rich heritage and institutional memory.
He urged members to leverage their wealth of experience, professional expertise and extensive community networks in support of ongoing operations by providing relevant information that would aid operational planning and decision-making. He assured them of the Theatre Command’s continued collaboration and support, adding that the sacrifices and selfless service of veterans remain highly valued and that their legitimate welfare concerns would continue to receive appropriate attention.
He further reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI would continue to integrate both kinetic and non-kinetic lines of operation in the execution of its mandate to restore enduring peace, security and stability across the North-East.
According to him, strengthening partnerships with veterans and other critical stakeholders remains essential to consolidating the gains recorded in the theatre.
Earlier, the Chairmen of REMANAF and the Nigerian Legion, Major Tijani Mohammed (Rtd) and Lieutenant Commander Bukar Kyari (Rtd), respectively, congratulated the Theatre Commander on his well-deserved appointment and commended his leadership. They noted that the improving security situation across Borno State and the wider North-East reflects the commitment, resilience and professionalism of Operation HADIN KAI troops.
They explained that the visits were aimed at formally introducing their organisations, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the mission of Operation HADIN KAI and strengthening existing collaboration through intelligence sharing, community engagement and other lawful initiatives that complement ongoing military operations.
The delegation also appealed for greater attention to the welfare of retired servicemen, widows, orphans and persons living with disabilities within their associations, expressing confidence that closer collaboration with Operation HADIN KAI would further strengthen support for veterans and reinforce the longstanding bond between serving and retired personnel.
The visits culminated in the signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph. Also in attendance were the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Olushola Akinboyewa, Principal Staff Officers and other senior officers of Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI.
