The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General O.O. Oluyede, has relocated to Nigeria’s North-East region to directly oversee military operations under Operation HADIN KAI, as the armed forces intensify efforts to eliminate Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the development in a post shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, stating that the Army chief is currently on ground in the theatre of operations.
“Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede currently in the North East overseeing Army operations in Operation HADIN KAI,” the army said.
Renewed Offensive Against Insurgents
This move comes amid a renewed military offensive targeting insurgent strongholds in the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa Forest, key areas where remnants of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remain active.
General Oluyede’s presence is seen as a strategic step aimed at boosting troop morale and ensuring real-time decision-making in ongoing counter-insurgency missions.
Maiduguri Explosion Not a Terrorist Attack, Army Clarifies
Meanwhile, the Army has addressed public concerns following an explosion that occurred on May 1, 2025, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Contrary to initial fears, the Army confirmed the incident was not a terrorist attack, but rather the accidental detonation of stored munitions due to high temperatures.
In a statement from the Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI, signed by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the incident took place at an ammunition depot within Giwa Barracks.
“The explosion was caused by the current high temperatures in Maiduguri, which led to the detonation of some munitions,” the statement read.
The situation was swiftly contained by the Borno State Fire Service with assistance from security personnel. Troops were also deployed to secure the vicinity and deter any criminal exploitation of the incident.
The Army urged residents to disregard rumours linking the explosion to terrorist activity and to go about their daily activities without fear.
“The general public is therefore urged to please discountenance any speculation of an attack within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and remain calm,” the statement concluded.
Saharareporters
