The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, says the security situation in the North-East have boosted significantly following sustained military offensives and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
Speaking in Maiduguri on Saturday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Abubakar said the Armed Forces had maintained operational momentum across the theatre, restricting terrorists’ movement and cutting off their access to supplies that once fueled insurgent activities.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria have denied terrorists the freedom of movement and access to logistics that used to sustain their campaign of terror. Our troops now hold the initiative,” he said.
He attributed the lingering insecurity in the region to wider global and regional developments, including instability in the Sahel, the Middle East, and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.
*Since November last year, we have observed increased use of armed drones and remote-controlled IEDs by terrorists. These trends reflect the global spread of technology from other conflict zones. However, we continue to adapt and stay ahead,” Abubakar explained.
According to the commander, coordinated air and ground operations have yielded remarkable success, leading to the elimination of about 26 key terrorist commanders in the last two months, along with major recoveries of weapons, ammunition, and vehicles.
He added that several insurgent camps had been destroyed, forcing remnants into isolated hideouts while life gradually returns to normal in previously volatile communities.
“Markets have reopened, schools are functioning, and roads that were once unsafe now experience daily movement of goods and people. That’s a major milestone for us as a nation,” Abubakar said.
The Army commander further disclosed that over 257 terrorists were neutralised between July and September, with many others surrendering along with their families.
He described the disruption of terrorists’ logistics networks as a turning point in the decade-long fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
“By cutting off their supply chains, we have crippled their ability to sustain prolonged engagements. Several IED-making factories have been discovered and destroyed, and we’ve intercepted multiple logistics convoys,” he said.
Citing the July 2025 operation in Dikwa, Abubakar said troops recovered over 50 lethal IEDs, crediting the success to improved intelligence and inter-agency coordination.
He also noted that terrorist use of drones had been curtailed through the deployment of anti-drone technologies and enhanced air dominance supported by the Military High Command.
On recent attacks in border communities around Kirawa, the commander said such incidents were “desperate attempts by terrorists to instill fear,” stressing that the areas had since been reinforced with additional troops, armoured vehicles, and surveillance teams.
“Kirawa and its environs are now fully secured with boots on the ground. We have improved our deployment posture to ensure no area remains vulnerable,” he assured.
Abubakar urged residents to support the military by providing credible intelligence and denying terrorists access to supplies.
“This war requires a whole-of-society approach. Citizens must collaborate with the military to identify bad elements and prevent their regrouping,” he appealed.
Community leaders in the affected areas have also commended the military’s renewed efforts.
Alhaji Bukar Modu, a community elder in Gwoza, said the increased presence of troops had restored confidence and calm.
“Before now, we used to hear gunshots almost every week. But since the troops came in numbers, the situation has changed. We now sleep peacefully and even go to markets without fear,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs. Falmata Bakura, who recently returned from an IDP camp in Maiduguri, praised the professionalism of the troops.
“Their presence alone gives us hope. Our children are back in school, and we now farm without fear,” she said.
Maj.-Gen. Abubakar commended the gallantry and sacrifice of officers and men of Operation Hadin Kai, saying their efforts were steadily restoring peace and stability across the North-East.
