JUST IN: Top Military Service Chiefs Relocate to Maiduguri After Tinubu’s Directive

Nigeria’s top military commanders have arrived in Maiduguri following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The move is aimed at tackling the recent spike in Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks across the North-East.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, alongside the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, touched down at the Maiduguri Air Force Base on Wednesday morning.

Their arrival signals the start of a renewed military push in the troubled region.

They were received at about 11am by the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, along with other senior officers. From the air base, the service chiefs moved straight to the Theatre Command Headquarters to assess the situation on ground.

Shortly after, they proceeded to the Maimalari Military Cantonment where a Guard of Honour was mounted in their honour. The ceremony was brief. Attention quickly shifted to strategy.

The military leaders then went into a closed-door meeting with field commanders. The meeting is expected to focus on new tactics, intelligence coordination, and immediate steps to curb the recent wave of attacks and bombings in Borno and neighbouring states.

Their relocation follows growing concerns over security in the North-East. In recent weeks, there have been reports of increased insurgent activities, including ambushes on troops and attacks on civilian communities. The development has raised fears of a resurgence of extremist groups in the region.

A senior defence official said the presence of the service chiefs in Maiduguri is meant to ensure faster decision-making and direct supervision of operations.

It is also expected to boost troop morale and strengthen coordination among the armed forces.

The Chief of Defence Staff is expected to brief journalists after the meeting. More details are likely to emerge on the military’s next line of action.