The Nigerian Army has asserted that the North-East region is now more secure, citing significant improvements due to sustained counter-terrorism operations and enhanced cooperation among security agencies.1
The statement was made by Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), during an interview in Maiduguri, Borno State.2
Evidence of Improved Security
Maj. Gen. Abubakar highlighted several key achievements and indicators of increased stability in the region:3
- Terrorist Degradation: Troops have maintained the operational initiative, denying terrorists like Boko Haram and ISWAP the freedom of movement and access to logistics.4
- Neutralized Commanders: In a two-month period (July to September 2025), approximately 26 key terrorist commanders were neutralized, leading to the surrender of many fighters and their families.5
- Logistics Disruption: The strangulation of the terrorists’ logistics strategy—including the discovery and destruction of IED-making factories and the interception of supply convoys—was described as a turning point in the campaign.6
- Curtailed Drone Use: The recent increase in the use of armed drones and radio-controlled IEDs by terrorists has been curtailed through the deployment of advanced anti-drone technology and improved air dominance.7
- Resumption of Activities: Socio-economic activities have resumed in most areas previously under terrorist control.8 Markets have reopened, schools are functioning, and major roads are experiencing the daily movement of goods and people.9
- Increased Confidence: Sustained pressure has restored public confidence, leading to an increase in voluntary returns of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes under the Borno State Government’s resettlement framework.10
Response to Recent Attacks
Addressing reports of renewed attacks in some border communities, particularly around Kirawa, Maj.11 Gen. Abubakar dismissed them as desperate attempts by the terrorists to create fear. He affirmed that the military command has deployed additional troops and logistics assets to the Kirawa axis, including quick response teams and armored vehicles, ensuring the area is “fully secured with boots on the ground.”12
