North-East more secure now — Army

The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar says the security situation in the region has improved significantly following sustained counter-terrorism operations and stronger synergy among security agencies.

He stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Maiduguri.

Abubakar said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had maintained operational initiative across the theatre, denying terrorists freedom of movement and access to logistics that once fueled their campaign of terror.

According to him, the lingering insecurity in the North-East is closely linked to broader regional and global developments, including instability in the Sahel, the Middle East, and the Russia–Ukraine war.

Since November last year, we have observed an increase in the use of armed drones and radio-controlled improvised explosive devices by the terrorists. These trends are direct consequences of global technological proliferation linked to conflicts elsewhere.

“However, our forces continue to retain the initiative. The goal of the armed forces remains to flush out the terrorists from their remaining strongholds in Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains, the Tumbuns, and the Lake Chad Islands,” he said.

The commander noted that coordinated operations had yielded remarkable results, with about 26 key terrorist commanders neutralised in the last two months, alongside major recoveries of arms, ammunition, and vehicles.

He said many insurgent camps had been cleared and destroyed, forcing remnants of the groups into isolated pockets, while socio-economic activities had resumed in most liberated areas.

“Markets have reopened, schools are functioning, and roads that were once unsafe now experience daily movement of goods and people. That is a major milestone for us as a nation,” he said.

Abubakar said sustained pressure by troops had restored public confidence, leading to increased voluntary returns under the Borno State Government’s resettlement framework.

He described the disruption of the terrorists’ logistics network as a turning point in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP.

“By cutting off their supply chains, we have effectively crippled their capacity to sustain prolonged engagements. Several IED-making factories have been discovered and destroyed, and we have recorded tremendous successes in intercepting their logistics convoys,” he added.

He cited the July 2025 operation in Dikwa, where troops recovered more than 50 lethal IEDs, as an example of how intelligence-led missions disrupted enemy capabilities.

Abubakar said over 257 terrorists were neutralised in coordinated ground and air offensives between July and September, with many others surrendering alongside their families.

He added that the use of drones by terrorists had been curtailed through anti-drone technology, and improved air dominance made possible by the support of the Military High Command.

On reports of renewed attacks in border communities around Kirawa, Abubakar said the incidents were desperate attempts by terrorists to create fear.

“Most of these attacks are confined to remote border settlements, reflecting desperation rather than strength. Kirawa was previously under the MNJTF framework, but we have made adequate deployments to strengthen control and forestall further incursions,” he said.

The commander said additional troops, armoured vehicles, and surveillance units had been deployed to the Kirawa axis to ensure a rapid response to any threat.

“OPHK covers about 130,000 square kilometres, so the terrain is vast. But we have improved our deployment posture and coordination with the MNJTF and local security volunteers to ensure no area remains vulnerable. Kirawa is now fully secured with boots on the ground,” he assured.

Abubakar urged residents to continue cooperating with the military by providing credible intelligence and denying logistics support to terrorists.

“Citizens must collaborate with the military in fishing out bad elements. This is a whole-of-society approach to asymmetric warfare,” he said.

He commended the gallantry of officers and men of OPHK for their courage and sacrifice in defending the nation, saying the North-East was steadily regaining stability.

Some community leaders in affected areas also commended the military for its swift response.

Alhaji Bukar Modu, a community elder in Gwoza, said increased troop presence in Kirawa and adjoining communities had restored public confidence.

“Before now, we used to hear gunshots almost every week. But since the troops came in numbers, the situation changed. We now sleep peacefully and even attend markets in Pulka and Gwoza without fear,” he said.

Also, 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 have resumed school, and we now farm without fear,” she said.

NAN