“To our humanitarian partners, I recognize your courage and your presence in difficult locations. Collaboration and coordination with partners like you are not a courtesy but a necessity for the good people of this region,” he said.
The Theatre Commander said he would favour direct engagement and honest dialogue whenever disagreements emerged between the military and humanitarian actors.
“Where there has been friction, I will prefer honest dialogue to silence. Where cohesion as a group, I will protect it,” he said.
Ajose stressed that humanitarian action would remain an important component of his command’s approach to the conflict.
“Lasting peace in the North-East will not be secured by kinetic action alone. The humanitarian line of effort remains central to the return of normalcy, and I will treat it as such,” he said.
Sustained pressure on terrorists, dignified pathway for surrender
On the operational front, Ajose pledged to maintain pressure on terrorist elements who continue to choose violence while preserving an opportunity for those willing to abandon the insurgency.
“Lastly, I intend to build on the successes of my predecessor by sustaining pressure on those who still choose violence, while keeping open a dignified pathway for those who choose to surrender,” he said.
The approach, he explained, would combine military pressure against terrorist groups with a structured opportunity for fighters and their families who abandon violence to surrender and pursue a peaceful return to society.
He also pledged to prioritise the protection of vulnerable civilians and support returns of displaced populations to their ancestral communities.
According to him, such returns must be voluntary, safe and sustainable, with the security environment sufficiently stabilised to allow communities to rebuild their lives.
Foreign partners, hybrid forces assured of continuity
The new Theatre Commander extended the command’s appreciation to Nigeria’s international partners, particularly the United Kingdom and the British Defence Staff for Africa, as well as the hybrid forces supporting the counter-insurgency campaign.
He said their assistance had contributed to strengthening the operational capabilities of Operation HADIN KAI.
“To our foreign partners, the United Kingdom and the British Defence Staff for Africa, as well as the hybrid forces, I extend the appreciation of this Theatre Command for the successful support that has strengthened our operations,” he said.
Ajose assured the partners that the Theatre Command would maintain continuity in its engagements and seek to translate existing cooperation into greater operational effect.
“This command will remain a reliable partner and will work with you to ensure that our cooperation produces greater operational effect in the discharge of the Operation HADIN KAI mandate,” he said.
NAF, OPERATION HADIN KAI STRENGTHEN STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION COLLABORATION TO ADVANCE NATIONAL SECURITY
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration through enhanced strategic communication in support of national security objectives. This was highlighted during a courtesy visit by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, to the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), on 21 July 2026 in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Welcoming the delegation, the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described strategic communication as a critical component of contemporary military operations. He emphasized that effective communication, coordinated messaging, and strong inter-agency collaboration are essential to shaping public perception, countering terrorist propaganda, denying adversaries the information space, and sustaining public confidence in ongoing counter-terrorism operations. He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its professionalism and continued support to joint operations in the North East.
In his remarks, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame underscored the importance of greater synergy in strategic communication among the Armed Forces and other security agencies. He noted that harmonised communication efforts, sustained media engagement, and the timely dissemination of factual and credible information through responsible media organisations are vital to reinforcing public trust, countering misinformation and disinformation, and projecting a unified national security narrative. He added that the visit was aimed at deepening collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force and Operation HADIN KAI in promoting accurate, timely, and coordinated communication on military operations and other national security issues.
Both senior officers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic communication as a force multiplier in support of ongoing operations. They emphasized that proactive media engagement, timely dissemination of verified information, and sustained collaboration among security agencies and state media are essential to shaping positive public perception, denying terrorist groups the opportunity to exploit the information environment, consolidating operational gains, strengthening civil-military relations, and advancing lasting peace, security, and national development.
Present during the visit were the Air Component Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Air Commodore Buba Ahmed; the Chief of Staff, Headquarters OPHK, Brigadier General Sani Ahmed; Component Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, and other senior officers of Headquarters Operation HADIN KAI. The visit featured the inspection of a Quarter Guard, the signing of the visitors’ register, the presentation of souvenirs, and a group photograph.
MOHAMMED GONI
Captain
Acting Military Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI
MAIDUGURI
21 July, 2026
Lt. Col standing behind a state minister of defence 😭
Someone that does not have a manowar or boy scout training .
This gross indiscipline should be addressed because this is a dangerous disclosure of disorder and disrespect to the Nigerian Army.
The military 🎖️ 🎖️ should treat this with alacrity.
It's very necessary.
Col. Manga Spotted Distributing Sallah Palliatives to Vulnerable Residents in Maiduguri
By: Zagazola Makama
Residents of Maiduguri were recently surprised after spotting a senior Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Ishaya Aliyu Manga, quietly distributing Sallah palliatives and cash support to vulnerable people along Baga Road and the Customs area of the Borno State capital.
The senior officer was seen handing out bags of semovita and cash gifts to less privileged residents, including elderly persons, displaced families, street labourers and other struggling residents ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Eyewitnesses said the officer carried out the humanitarian gesture without fanfare or publicity, moving from one group of people to another while exchanging greetings and prayers with beneficiaries.
Many residents later identified the officer as Col. Manga, a respected frontline commander widely known for his role in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the North East.
For years, Manga has remained one of the notable military officers involved in several major counterterrorism operations across Borno State and other parts of the North East. He has participated in numerous operations in places such as Konduga, Damboa, Sambisa, Marte, Magumeri and other insurgency-hit communities.
The officer is particularly known among troops for his bravery and leadership in difficult operations against terrorists. He has survived injuries in combat and repeatedly returned to the battlefield to continue operations alongside his troops.
Despite his reputation as a fearless combat officer, residents say his latest humanitarian gesture reflects another side of the military officer — one committed to supporting vulnerable members of society.
Some residents who witnessed the distribution described the gesture as timely, especially considering the economic challenges facing many families ahead of the Sallah celebrations.
“He was doing it quietly without attracting attention,” one resident said. “Many people did not even know it was Col. Manga until later.”
Apart from his combat operations, Manga has also been associated with several non-kinetic activities in conflict-affected communities, including support for displaced persons, medical assistance, protection for farmers and humanitarian interventions in parts of Borno State.
Residents who benefited from the gesture offered prayers for the officer, asking God to continue protecting and strengthening him as he continues his service to the nation.
Many described the act as a reminder that beyond defending the country, members of the Armed Forces also play important humanitarian roles within society.
On the same night, ISWAP attacked the Nigerian military camp in Benisheikh, northeast Nigeria, large fire sources were detected from inside the camp and according to security reports, Commanding Officer O.O. Braimah was killed during the attack.
🇳🇬 JUST IN: Nigerian Army Brigade Commander Killed in Boko Haram Attack on Benisheikh Base, Borno State
Brigadier-General O. Braimah, Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai, has been killed following a deadly attack by Boko Haram terrorists on a military base in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack, which occurred late on Wednesday, April 8, saw terrorists launch coordinated assaults on military positions in Benisheikh and Ngamdu, overpowering parts of the brigade formation.
The base was set ablaze during the intense firefight, with multiple military assets destroyed.
Brig. Gen. Braimah was killed in the line of duty alongside several soldiers.
Reports also indicate that the brigade’s Imam was among those killed. Several of the terrorists were neutralized during the battle.
The Nigerian Army is yet to release an official statement, but multiple military and local sources have confirmed the development.
Further details are expected.
Highlights from the Kanem Borno Cultural Summit.
Barr. Hauwa Abubakar, the Borno State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, attended the Kanem Borno Summit in Maiduguri.
The renowned Kanem-Borno Empire has over time established itself as one of Africa's few and outstanding empires.
This is more than just a gathering; it is a source of pride for Borno State and its people, as the event attracted people from at least ten countries, demonstrating a rare display of culture and heritage.
#KanemBorno#KanuriCulture#BornoState
Just another reminder:
The Borno flooding was NOT a natural disaster. It was an avoidable calamity because animals in govt decided it is far better to steal and play with the lives of millions of people than do their job.
How the Borno flooding happened:
504 Followers 2K FollowingWe sell all kinds of motorcycles, electric bikes, big of rice, tricycles and other, we deliver nationwide. Call or WhatsApp 08131987887 Logos, Nigeria.
103K Followers 193 FollowingNigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps is a full fledged Para-military agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Instagram: @official_NSCDC
82K Followers 2 FollowingWe amplify unheard voices and empower people to shape the future of their communities. DSTV 422, GOtv 23, StarTimes 274, AVO 23.
18K Followers 5K FollowingNot pious, a sinner and a repenter on repeat || we sell all kind of men Handwoven Bama made caps || SSA to H.E Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni. CON.
777K Followers 49K FollowingWe provide latest trends and professional car advice. Join our community of car enthusiasts. DM for promos or email: [email protected]
3K Followers 1K FollowingDealer in all kinds of shoes, clothes, men jallabiya, ladies Abaya, eye glasses and watches. 📍 Kaduna, nationwide delivery. ☎️08133107858
1K Followers 443 FollowingB. Sc. (Hons) Political science | Crypto enthusiasts | Found peace only in Islam | Tried every pleasure in life | Member, All Progressive Congress (APC).