North-East security improving despite emerging threats, Operation Hadin Kai says
The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace across the North-East, saying ongoing counter-terrorism operations are aimed at creating a secure environment for economic and social activities to flourish.
Abubakar stated this on Wednesday while receiving the Bureau Chief of African Voices and leader of an Italian Radio Television delegation, Valerio Cataldi, during a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri.
The Theatre Commander said the military remained committed to supporting professional and objective media coverage of its operations, stressing that accurate reporting was essential in countering misinformation surrounding the fight against insurgency.
According to him, the Armed Forces have recorded significant successes through the combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations, intelligence-led missions and sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist supply chains.
He said the operations had improved the protection of vulnerable communities, enabled thousands of internally displaced persons to return to their communities, enhanced security for farming activities, led to the recovery of arms and ammunition, and forced several terrorist commanders, fighters and logistics collaborators to surrender.
“Our operational mandate remains to restore normalcy across the North-East and create an enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive,” Abubakar said.
The commander also maintained that troops conduct all operations in line with International Humanitarian Law and the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s Rules of Engagement, with emphasis on minimising civilian harm.
While acknowledging the continued threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the increasing use of armed drones by terrorist groups, which he linked to foreign influence, Abubakar said the overall security situation in the North-East had improved through enhanced operational capabilities, specialised training, technological innovation and collaboration with strategic partners.
