The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, says the security situation in the North-East has improved significantly following sustained counter-terrorism operations and enhanced synergy among security agencies.
Speaking in Maiduguri on Saturday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abubakar said the Armed Forces had maintained operational initiative across the region, effectively denying terrorists freedom of movement and access to logistics that once fueled their insurgency.
According to him, insecurity in the North-East remains partly influenced by global instability, particularly in the Sahel, the Middle East, and the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, which has contributed to the proliferation of advanced weaponry and technology.
“Since November last year, we have observed an increase in the use of armed drones and radio-controlled improvised explosive devices by terrorists,” Abubakar said. “However, our forces continue to retain the initiative. The goal remains to flush out the terrorists from their remaining strongholds in Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains, the Tumbuns, and the Lake Chad Islands.”
The commander revealed that about 26 key terrorist leaders had been neutralised in the past two months, with major arms, ammunition, and vehicles recovered in the process. He added that several insurgent camps had been cleared, allowing economic and social life to return to many liberated communities.
“Markets have reopened, schools are functioning, and roads once unsafe now experience daily movement of goods and people. That is a major milestone for us as a nation,” he said.
Abubakar noted that sustained military pressure had restored public confidence, resulting in increased voluntary returns under the Borno State Government’s resettlement programme. He described the destruction of terrorist supply chains as a “turning point” in the ongoing fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
He cited the July 2025 operation in Dikwa, where troops recovered more than 50 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), as an example of successful intelligence-led missions. Between July and September 2025, over 257 terrorists were neutralised in coordinated ground and air offensives, while several others surrendered with their families.
Abubakar also confirmed that the military had curtailed the use of drones by terrorists through anti-drone technology and improved air dominance, made possible by the support of the Military High Command.
Reacting to reports of renewed attacks around Kirawa, a border community, the commander said such incidents were “desperate attempts” by terrorists to instil fear.
“Most of these attacks are confined to remote border settlements, reflecting desperation rather than strength,” he said. “We have made adequate deployments to strengthen control and forestall further incursions.”
He disclosed that additional troops, armoured vehicles, and surveillance units had been deployed to the Kirawa axis to ensure rapid response to any threats, assuring that the area was now fully secured.
Abubakar urged residents to continue cooperating with the military by providing credible intelligence and denying terrorists logistical support.
“This is a whole-of-society approach to asymmetric warfare,” he emphasized.
Community leaders also praised the military’s efforts. Alhaji Bukar Modu, a community elder in Gwoza, said troop presence had restored calm to Kirawa and its surroundings.
“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 attend markets in Pulka and Gwoza without fear,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs. Falmata Bakura, who recently returned from an IDP camp in Maiduguri, commended the professionalism of troops, saying their presence had brought hope and stability.
“Our children have resumed school, and we now farm without fear,” she said.
