Nigeria’s newly appointed army chief, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, pledged on Friday to escalate operations against Islamist militants in the northeast, days after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of potential U.S. military action if Abuja fails to curb violence against Christians.
Trump last week placed Nigeria on Washington’s “country of particular concern” list for violations of religious freedom, and said he had asked the Pentagon to prepare for possible rapid action should attacks on Christians continue.
On his first operational tour to Borno State — the epicentre of a 16-year conflict that has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions — Shaibu told troops the army would “leave no stone unturned.”
“We will pursue this fight with renewed energy, clear focus and absolute dedication to end this menace once and for all,” he said, urging sustained pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). He also promised better logistics, welfare and combat support to bolster morale.
The visit followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to reinvigorate counterterrorism efforts, the army said. Despite recent gains, Boko Haram and ISWAP have stepped up assaults on military bases in Borno this year and continue to target civilians.