Security situation in Northeast improves as troops tighten grip on terrorists — OPHK Commander
The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, says security in the region has significantly improved following sustained counter-terrorism operations and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri on Saturday, Abubakar said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had maintained the operational initiative, denying terrorists freedom of movement and access to logistics that once fuelled their operations.
He noted that while insecurity in the Northeast is tied to broader regional and global instability — including conflicts in the Sahel, the Middle East, and the Russia–Ukraine war — Nigerian forces continue to adapt to new threats, such as the increased use of armed drones and radio-controlled IEDs.
“In the last two months alone, about 26 key terrorist commanders have been neutralised, with substantial recoveries of arms, ammunition, and vehicles,” Abubakar revealed. “Many insurgent camps have been destroyed, forcing remnants into isolated pockets.”
He said markets, schools, and major roads have reopened as socio-economic activities resume in previously unsafe areas, marking what he described as “a major milestone” for the region.
The commander added that recent intelligence-led operations, including the July 2025 mission in Dikwa, led to the recovery of over 50 lethal IEDs and the neutralisation of more than 257 terrorists.
Abubakar praised the resilience of troops and assured that the Armed Forces remain committed to flushing out remaining insurgents from their strongholds in Sambisa Forest, the Mandara Mountains, and the Lake Chad Islands.
He urged residents to continue supporting military efforts through credible intelligence and by denying terrorists access to supplies, saying community cooperation remains crucial for lasting peace.
