Army establishes two new bases in Northeast

The Nigerian Army has established two new Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Duji and Kekeno communities as part of intensified efforts to strengthen counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), has said.

Shaibu disclosed this on Saturday during a Christmas luncheon organised for wounded troops at the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State.

He was represented at the event by Godwin Mutkut, Commander of the Infantry Corps.

According to the Army Chief, the newly established bases are strategically positioned to enhance military operations within the Lake Chad axis and the Sambisa Forest, two areas long regarded as strongholds of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

Read also: America vows more pounding for terrorists in Nigeria after first Christmas day strikes

He described the wounded soldiers as “special troops” whose sacrifices continue to inspire renewed determination within the military to bring an end to the 16-year-old insurgency in the region.

“We are attending this Christmas luncheon with you to inject more impetus into the ongoing effort to end the Boko Haram insurgency that has claimed many lives and destroyed property across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states,” CoAS said.

Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), revealed that troops recorded significant successes between May and December this year.

He said soldiers recovered 254 assorted weapons during operations across terrorist enclaves, rescued 366 civilians, and intercepted 300 units of Starlink communication devices allegedly used by insurgents to coordinate attacks and evade security forces.

Abubakar also disclosed that no fewer than 881 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, alongside their family members, surrendered to the military in 2025.

“These accomplishments on the front lines underscore the progress already made in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the region and forest areas spanning three states,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, . Shaibu has approved key infrastructural projects for the newly established 248 Battalion at Illela Barracks in Sokoto State, in a move aimed at boosting operational efficiency and improving troop welfare.

During a visit to the battalion on Saturday, the Army Chief assured officers and soldiers that their welfare remained a top priority, noting that the Nigerian Army was addressing initial challenges associated with the establishment of new units.

He announced that Army Headquarters had approved the construction of additional accommodation, the development of a parade ground, and the building of an access road leading into the barracks.

“I have listened to your Commanding Officer and the challenges you face. We have approved the construction of additional living quarters, your parade ground, and the road coming into these barracks,” Shaibu said.

Addressing the troops, the Army Chief described their posting to the battalion as a historic responsibility, urging them to take pride in being pioneers of the unit.

“You are the pioneers of this unit, and I want you to wear that badge of honour. Rome was not built in a day.

“Gradually, we will build this barracks, and when you look back years from now, you will be proud to say you were part of those who laid the foundation,” he said.

Shuaibu also charged young officers, particularly lieutenants, to take training and leadership responsibilities seriously, stressing that their conduct would directly influence discipline and effectiveness within the unit.

“In our time, we called you ‘fire eaters’. You are responsible for training these soldiers day and night.

“You will lead them into battle, and how you conduct yourselves now will determine how your men follow you,” the Army Chief added.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date