In a firm declaration of commitment, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has emphasized that the deployment of military personnel to Nigeria's remote North-Eastern border is a difficult yet indispensable operation for national security.
Securing the Flanks and Waterways
Speaking on January 1, 2026, during a luncheon with troops in Baga, Borno State, Vice Admiral Abbas highlighted the dual purpose of the mission. He stated that the presence of forces at the nation's extreme flank is vital to protect Nigeria's territorial integrity. Furthermore, he underscored that such deployment is imperative to establish control over the strategic waterways within the Lake Chad Basin.
The CNS was accompanied by senior officers including the Chief of Operations, Rear Admiral M.B. Katagum, and the Chief of Logistics, Rear Admiral S.H. Abdullahi. He reassured the officers and men of the Naval Base Lake Chad (NBLC) and the co-located 196 Amphibious Battalion of the Navy's unwavering dedication.
The Nigerian Navy remains fully committed to denying terrorists access to the Lake Chad waterways, Abbas affirmed. He pointed out that this objective is being pursued through sustained and coordinated operations conducted in synergy with sister services and other security agencies.
On-the-Ground Assessment and Joint Efforts
According to a statement by the Director of Navy Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the Naval chief undertook a symbolic boat ride on Lake Chad. This waterway had recently been cleared by the Base to restore navigation and help revive economic activities in the area, marking a tangible success.
Earlier during the visit, the CNS received a comprehensive briefing at the Headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK). The Theatre Commander, Major-General Abdulsalam Abubakar, detailed the recent gains achieved by the Joint Task Force (JTF), outlined current challenges, and discussed future plans.
General Abubakar highlighted the effective contributions of the Land, Maritime, and Air Components, noting that their seamless joint offensives have severely degraded the capabilities of insurgents. Vice Admiral Abbas commended the Theatre Commander and all OPHK personnel, assuring them that the highlighted challenges would be addressed promptly.
Military Tracks Terrorist Relocation
In a related development, the Military High Command has acknowledged the relocation of terrorists from their strongholds following recent military pressure. The Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major-General Michael Onoja, provided this update while summarizing troops' achievements in 2025.
General Onoja explained that the recent U.S.-Nigeria joint airstrikes on terrorist positions in Sokoto, coupled with sustained ground pressure, have forced militants to disperse towards other communities. He also addressed concerns about an influx of armed herders, stating the situation is being taken seriously.
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets are actively monitoring these movements across various operational theatres, Onoja said. He confirmed that these relocations have been identified and are being tracked.
The Defence Headquarters urged communities to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies. Citizens were encouraged to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security formations.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified proactive measures to thwart any attempts by fleeing terrorists to infiltrate or destabilize any community, Major-General Onoja concluded, reaffirming the military's steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and upholding national security.
