In continuation of the familiarization visits to critical stakeholders in the ongoing onslaught against the insurgents in the North East (NE) Nigeria, the Theatre Commander Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Ibrahim Sallau Ali on Sunday, 5 February 2023 visited His Excellency Professor Babagana Umara Zulum mni, the Executive Governor of Borno State.

On arrival at the State House, General Ibrahim Ali stated that having assumed Command as the Theatre Commander JTF NE OPHK, he saw the urgent need to pay familiarization visits to His Excellency to inform him of his assumption of office. 

While thanking the Governor for his continuous support to OPHK, the Theatre Commander OPHK also requested for more commitment from the State Government, especially in the Non-kinetic aspect of the operations which according to him is key to ending terrorism and an enabler for socio-economic activities to thrive.

Furthermore, General Ali assured His Excellency of the determination and commitment of his command to remain resolute in their strive to eliminate the terrorist within the Theatre. Lastly, Gen Ali declare his resolve to sustain the mutual working relationship his predecessor had already established with Borno State Government.

In his response, Governor Zulum stated that he is welcoming the Theatre Commander back home having served in the North East in different locations, holding series of appointments up to Sector Commander. Thereafter, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum further pledged to give all needed support to OPHK in order to wipe out the remnants of the insurgents, pointing out that the end to the activities of the Terrorist is near following the tremendous successes already achieved by OPHK.

His Excellency used the opportunity to discuss areas of needs for collaboration, the effort of the State Government using the Non-kinetic approach to ending the activities of the Insurgents and the plan to ensure all Internally Displaced Persons returns to their ancestral homes. Professor Babagana Zulum concluded his remarks by re-emphasizing the readiness of the State Government to continue to work in collaboration with OPHK and also support its operational activities.

Present during the visit were the Theatre Logistics Component Commander, Brig Gen EJ Ikomi; The Theatre Intelligence Coordinator, Brig Gen OM Azuikpe; The Commander Nigerian Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Col I Sule; and Principal Staff Officers of Headquarters Theatre Command.