Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has hailed the courage and commitment of troops fighting insurgency in the North-East, as he joined Service Chiefs in celebrating Sallah with soldiers of Operation HADIN KAI on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
The celebration, held at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, brought together the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), senior military officers, and frontline troops in a show of solidarity, appreciation, and morale-boosting camaraderie.
Speaking at the Combined Service Chiefs’ Sallah Luncheon, Governor Zulum praised the troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation HADIN KAI for their unwavering sacrifice and bravery in the face of terrorism. He emphasized that the people of Borno remain deeply grateful to the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in restoring peace in the region. 
“The Sallah luncheon is a reminder of the daily sacrifices made by our gallant troops in defending our country,” Zulum said. “We are eternally indebted to you, especially those who paid the supreme price and those recovering from injuries sustained in battle.”
In a gesture of support, the governor donated cash gifts to wounded soldiers and families of fallen heroes, urging continued vigilance and urging troops to take decisive action against terrorist collaborators.
He commended the leadership of both the Army and Air Force Chiefs, stating that their dedication had brought renewed momentum and visible successes in ongoing military operations. 
On behalf of the Service Chiefs, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, described the Armed Forces as the last bastion of hope for over 200 million Nigerians. He applauded the troops for their recent operational gains and resilience in battle, saying their efforts had not gone unnoticed.
“Your bravery in the face of grave danger is a beacon of national pride,” Abubakar said. “Though air power plays a critical role, it is ultimately the ground troops that secure victory. The sacrifices of our fallen heroes will never be forgotten.”
He also reassured wounded personnel of the military’s commitment to their welfare, promising sustained air support regardless of how remote their deployments may be.
Air Marshal Abubakar expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast backing of the Armed Forces and acknowledged the critical support of the Borno State Government in enabling recent military achievements. 
Earlier in his address, the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the event as an opportunity for troops to celebrate Eid El-Kabir with the highest levels of military leadership. He stated that the visit by both the COAS and CAS had greatly boosted morale and demonstrated the synergy driving operational successes in the region.
The event featured cultural displays by the Borno State Arts and Culture Troupe, presentation of welfare packages to wounded soldiers and families of the fallen, and a special Sallah meal served by top military leaders to troops.
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