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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Conflict & Security

Army commander urges soldiers to sustain pressure in counter-insurgency operations

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • Nigerian Army Commander Major General Godwin Mutkut urged troops to maintain aggressive and professional counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
  • He stressed the importance of sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements to deny them freedom of action.
  • Mutkut also reminded troops to remain vigilant, disciplined, and law-abiding, warning against complacency and misconduct.

Major General Godwin Mutkut, Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, has called on troops to sustain aggressive and professional operations against insurgents in the North-East. Speaking to personnel of the Headquarters 27 Task Force Brigade, Sector 2, Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, Mutkut emphasized the critical need to maintain constant pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements.

Sustained operational pressure on the terrorists remains the key to denying them freedom of action.

โ€” Major General Godwin MutkutEmphasizing the strategy for counter-insurgency operations.

During an assessment visit to the Brigade Headquarters on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Mutkut commended the troops for their courage and sacrifices in defending Nigeria's territorial integrity. He highlighted that denying terrorists freedom of action is paramount to achieving success in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign. "Sustained operational pressure on the terrorists remains the key to denying them freedom of action," he stated.

The commander urged the soldiers to uphold high levels of vigilance, discipline, combat readiness, and an offensive spirit, warning that complacency has no place in the fight against insurgency. He also reminded them to adhere to military laws and conduct, cautioning against actions that could compromise operations or damage the Nigerian Army's reputation. Specific warnings were issued against social media misconduct, revealing operational locations, smoking, drug abuse, and other vices.

Remain loyal, professional, and steadfast in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities while maintaining the highest standards of military discipline and conduct.

โ€” Major General Godwin MutkutUrging troops on their duties and conduct.

General Mutkut assured the troops of the Nigerian Army's ongoing commitment to their welfare, recognizing good leadership as a vital component for operational success. Brigadier General Mukhtar S. Mukhtar, Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade, welcomed Mutkut and expressed gratitude for the visit, stating it would boost morale and reaffirm the Brigade's dedication to eliminating terrorist remnants within its area of responsibility.

The Brigade remains committed to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at eliminating the remnants of terrorist elements within the Brigadeโ€™s Area of Responsibility.

โ€” Brigadier General Mukhtar S. MukhtarReaffirming the Brigade's commitment to counter-terrorism.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.