The Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General AE Abubakar, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering determination to eliminate terrorism in the country’s Northeast region, even as insurgents modify their strategies and intensify attacks.
In a press briefing captured by AFRIPOST, Major General Abubakar addressed recent developments, noting that while isolated attacks persist, the military has made considerable progress in restoring stability across the region.
He acknowledged that although significant gains have been made in degrading terrorist networks and restoring calm to affected communities, the threat has not been fully extinguished due to the insurgents’ evolving tactics.
“Over the past week, our troops neutralized more than 20 terrorists and recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition,” he revealed. He also pointed to Malam Fatori and Kukawa as examples of success, where nearly 20,000 displaced individuals have returned to their homes.
According to Abubakar, renewed instability in the broader Sahel region has contributed to a resurgence in attacks. He explained that the collapse of military facilities in nearby countries has led to the smuggling of arms into Nigeria through unsecured borders, fueling new waves of violence.
“Two years ago, we were close to declaring the conflict over,” he said. “But security setbacks in neighboring Sahel states have unfortunately revived the threat.”
The commander expressed concern over the terrorists’ use of new technologies, especially the deployment of armed drones—first detected in late 2024—which are difficult to identify using standard radar systems.
In response, the Nigerian Army has revamped its operational strategies. “We’ve reorganized our deployments and brought in more equipment and personnel,” Abubakar stated. He noted that recent attacks in Iran, Kikwa, and Gajeran were thwarted, although four personnel lost their lives in one incident.
Reassuring Nigerians of the military’s readiness, Abubakar said, “Our goal is total victory. We’re committed to ending this insurgency soon, but we need the cooperation of all Nigerians.”
He encouraged remaining insurgents to surrender, assuring them of humane treatment, and reiterated the military’s strength and resolve. “We are equipped, determined, and our troops remain highly motivated.”
Addressing the public, the commander highlighted the scale of the security challenge, describing the operational terrain as larger than several countries. One of the conflict’s hotspots, the Tumbuktu Triangle, spans over 11,000 square kilometers—an area larger than Rivers, Bayelsa, and even Washington.
Abubakar emphasized the importance of community involvement in defeating terrorism. Referencing the words of Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu, he said, “In asymmetric warfare, you must separate the terrorist from the populace.”
He cited a recent interception of 13,000 liters of petrol intended for insurgents, explaining that the fuel could have powered terrorist motorcycles for a year. “This shows how crucial citizen vigilance is. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring national security,” he added.
Major General Abubakar closed the briefing with a call for national unity and cooperation, reaffirming that the military is on course to restore lasting peace to the Northeast.
Leave a Reply