ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — Nigeria’s new army chief, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, pledged on Friday to escalate military operations against Islamist insurgents in the northeast, following heightened international pressure after attacks on Christian communities.
Shaibu made the comments during his first operational visit to Borno State, the epicenter of a 16-year insurgency that has left tens of thousands dead and displaced millions. The northeastern state has been a longtime stronghold for Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
“The Nigerian Army under my command will leave no stone unturned,” Shaibu said in Maiduguri while addressing troops. “We will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus, and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all. Every soldier must remain vigilant, disciplined, and committed to protecting our communities.”
His visit comes amid a surge in militant attacks targeting military bases and civilian populations. Despite gains by the Nigerian Armed Forces in recent years, both Boko Haram and ISWAP have stepped up operations in 2025, exploiting gaps in intelligence and logistical support.
The announcement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” last week, citing repeated violations of religious freedom. Trump warned that Washington could take military action if Nigeria fails to curb the killings of Christians. On Saturday, he said the Defense Department was preparing for possible “fast” intervention if Abuja does not strengthen protections for vulnerable communities.
Shaibu, who assumed office earlier this month, said his immediate priority is enhancing operational readiness and troop welfare. He promised increased logistical support, improved equipment, and better combat supply chains to sustain prolonged counterinsurgency efforts.
He also urged the soldiers to maintain continuous pressure on insurgent groups. “This fight requires persistence, intelligence-led operations, and collaboration with local communities,” Shaibu said. “Our goal is to restore peace and security to all affected areas, leaving no insurgent safe in the region.”
President Bola Tinubu recently directed the military to revitalize counterterrorism strategies across the northeast, focusing on intelligence gathering, rapid response units, and cooperation with neighboring countries facing spillover threats. Security analysts say that Borno State remains critical, as militant groups use remote areas as bases for attacks on towns, villages, and military convoys.
Civilians in Borno continue to face a humanitarian crisis. Local authorities report that thousands of families are living in displacement camps with limited access to food, water, and medical care. Security experts warn that a failure to decisively confront insurgents could allow Boko Haram and ISWAP to regroup and expand their reach across northern Nigeria.
Analysts say Shaibu’s visit signals a renewed determination by the Nigerian Army to consolidate prior gains and address persistent security gaps. “The operational and logistical support promised by the army chief is key to sustaining pressure on insurgents,” said Musa Abdullahi, a defense analyst based in Abuja. “It also sends a message to both domestic and international audiences that Nigeria is serious about defeating terrorism and protecting religious freedoms.”
Shaibu’s remarks mark the first high-profile commitment by Nigeria’s military leadership following the U.S. warning, highlighting the growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s handling of religious and regional violence.
