Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) visited Maiduguri, Borno State capital, over the renewed security concerns in the Northeast sub-region.

He was accompanied by Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

The ministers were received at the Airforce Base by the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, alongside the General Officer Commanding and Sector One Commander, Brig. Gen. Ugochukwu Unachukwu, and other senior military officers.

Daily Trust- Attacks: Defence Minister visits Maiduguri to assess security situation

Daily Trust reports that it was Gen. Musa’s first official visit to Borno state since his appointment as Minister of Defence by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in December 2025.

Our correspondent reports that in recent months, troops of the OPHK have intensified operations to contain threats posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

In one of the latest engagements, on Monday the troops foiled a planned mass abduction of 150 travellers by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, along the Buratai–Kamuya axis in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

Also, over the weekend, the OPHK announced the deaths of at least 38 suspected ISWAP terrorists who attacked a military base in Mandaragirau village of Biu Local Government Area of Borno State in the early hours of Saturday.

Daily Trust- Attacks: Defence Minister visits Maiduguri to assess security situation

Meanwhile, the ministers also visited the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, to sympathise with him and the people of the state following the recent triple bomb blasts attributed to Boko Haram terrorists.

Speaking during the visit, Gen. Musa condemned the attacks, stressing that such acts of violence do not represent any religion or legitimate cause.

“This morning, we are here to see the good people of Borno State where these unfortunate incidents occurred. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed me and the Minister of State for Defence to commiserate with people of Borno state,” he said.

He assured residents that the federal government is deeply concerned about the attacks and were committed to preventing a recurrence.

“I want to assure the people of the state and the entire North-East that such occurrences may not happen again. We are here to review what has happened and assess what can be done differently,” the minister added.

On his part, Matawalle reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ending insecurity across the country.

The minister also commended the Shehu of Borno for his continued fatherly role, guidance, and support in maintaining peace and stability in the state.

(Daily Trust)