The Nigerian Army has said security in the North-East has improved greatly due to ongoing counter-terrorism efforts and better cooperation among security agencies.
Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri on Saturday.
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had maintained a strong presence across the region, preventing terrorists from moving freely or accessing the logistics that once fueled their attacks.
“Since November last year, we have observed an increase in the use of armed drones and radio-controlled IEDs by the terrorists. These trends are linked to global conflicts, but our forces have continued to retain the initiative,” Abubakar said.
He explained that the military’s main goal was to clear terrorist strongholds in Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains, the Tumbuns, and the Lake Chad Islands.
“In the last two months alone, about 26 key terrorist commanders have been neutralised, with many arms and vehicles recovered. Markets have reopened, schools are functioning, and roads once unsafe now see daily movement of goods and people,” he said.
Abubakar said that sustained operations had restored public confidence, leading to more displaced persons returning to their homes under the Borno State Government’s resettlement plan.
He described the cutting off of terrorist supply chains as a major turning point in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
“By cutting off their supply chains, we have crippled their ability to sustain prolonged battles. Several IED-making factories have been destroyed, and their logistics convoys intercepted,” he said.
He recalled a major operation in Dikwa in July 2025, where troops recovered over 50 IEDs and neutralised more than 257 terrorists. Many others, he said, surrendered along with their families.
Abubakar said new anti-drone technology and improved air dominance had limited terrorist drone activities. He also confirmed that fresh troops and surveillance units had been deployed to border communities like Kirawa to prevent new attacks.
“Most of these recent attacks are desperate acts by fleeing terrorists trying to create fear. Kirawa is now fully secured with boots on the ground,” he said.
He urged residents to support the military by sharing useful information and refusing to provide supplies to insurgents.
“This is a whole-of-society approach to warfare. Communities must help deny logistics and share timely intelligence,” he added.
Community leaders praised the Army’s efforts.
Alhaji Bukar Modu, a leader from Gwoza, said, “Before now, we heard gunshots every week, but since the troops came, peace has returned. We now go to markets freely.”
Also, Mrs. Falmata Bakura, who recently returned home from an IDP camp, said, “The soldiers’ presence gives us hope. Our children are back in school, and we farm without fear.”
Abubakar assured that the Army would continue operations until lasting peace is restored in the region.
