The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, says the security situation in Nigeria’s Northeast has improved significantly, thanks to sustained counter-terrorism efforts and renewed synergy among security agencies.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri on Saturday, Abubakar said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have maintained operational momentum across the region, denying terrorists freedom of movement and access to logistics that once sustained their insurgency.
He noted that insecurity in the Northeast is intertwined with broader regional and global crises — from the Sahel instability to the Russia–Ukraine war — which have fueled the spread of advanced weaponry and technologies.
“Since November last year, we have seen increased use of armed drones and radio-controlled IEDs by terrorists — a fallout of global technological proliferation. But our forces continue to retain the initiative,” he said.
According to the commander, coordinated ground and air offensives are achieving remarkable results. In the past two months alone, 26 key terrorist commanders have been neutralised, and large quantities of weapons, ammunition, and vehicles recovered.
“Many insurgent camps have been destroyed, forcing the remnants into isolated pockets,” Abubakar said. “Markets have reopened, schools are in session, and roads once deemed unsafe now witness the daily movement of people and goods. That’s a major milestone for us as a nation.”
He added that sustained military pressure has restored civilian confidence, encouraging voluntary resettlement under the Borno State Government’s framework.
A major breakthrough, Abubakar said, was cutting off the terrorists’ logistics networks, which crippled their ability to sustain prolonged battles. Several IED-making factories have been discovered and destroyed, with intelligence-led missions like the July 2025 Dikwa operation yielding over 50 recovered IEDs and 257 neutralised terrorists.
The commander also revealed that improved anti-drone systems and air dominance have curtailed the terrorists’ drone operations.
On the recent border attacks around Kirawa, Abubakar dismissed them as desperate attempts to instill fear.
“These are isolated incidents, not signs of resurgence,” he said. “We’ve reinforced Kirawa with additional troops, armoured vehicles, and surveillance units. The area is now fully secured with boots on the ground.”
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to lasting peace and called on residents to support the military with intelligence and refuse to provide logistics aid to insurgents.
“Asymmetric warfare requires a whole-of-society approach. Communities must help deny terrorists space and support,” he urged.
Community members in Gwoza and Kirawa praised the military’s efforts.
Alhaji Bukar Modu, a Gwoza elder, said: “We now sleep peacefully and attend markets without fear.”
Another returnee, Mrs. Falmata Bakura, added: “The soldiers’ presence gives us hope. Our children are back in school, and we can farm again.”
Comments