In a renewed show of resolve against insurgency in the North East, the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has recorded significant operational successes, eliminating 438 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists within seven months.
The Theatre Commander, OPHK, North-east Sector 1, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, disclosed this on Saturday during the Christmas Luncheon held in Maiduguri, Borno State. According to him, the coordinated operations, conducted between May and December, reflect the sustained pressure mounted by Nigerian troops against terrorist enclaves across the Theatre of Operations.
Beyond neutralising insurgents, Major General Abubakar revealed that troops recovered 254 assorted weapons and dismantled critical enemy communication networks, including the seizure of 300 Starlink communication devices. These recoveries, he said, have significantly degraded the operational and coordination capabilities of terrorist elements operating in the region.
A major humanitarian outcome of the operations was the rescue of 366 civilians held captive in various terrorist hideouts. The Theatre Commander noted that these rescues underscore the military’s dual mandate of neutralising threats while protecting innocent lives.
Perhaps most striking among the achievements was the surrender of 881 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, alongside their family members. Abubakar described the mass surrender as a clear indication of the weakening morale of terrorist groups and growing confidence in the Federal Government’s non-kinetic and rehabilitation initiatives.
“The surrender of 881 JAS/ISWAP fighters and their families, among other accomplishments, further underscores the progress made,” he stated.
The Theatre Commander noted that the Christmas celebration coincided with the ongoing dry season operations, a critical phase in counter-insurgency efforts due to improved mobility and visibility for troops. Despite the festive period, he emphasized that operational tempo remains high across the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
Assuring the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, of the troops’ dedication, Abubakar reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of officers and soldiers under Operation Hadin Kai to sustain offensive actions until lasting peace is restored to the region.
He attributed the recent operational successes to strategic guidance, logistics support, and morale-boosting interventions from the COAS, which, he said, have enhanced effectiveness and coordination among ground and air components.
As the Nigerian Army intensifies dry season operations, the latest achievements of Operation Hadin Kai signal renewed momentum in the fight against terrorism in the North East, offering hope for improved security and stability for communities long affected by insurgency.
