Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations in the North-East record major gains as Operation Hadin Kai reports killings, surrenders, rescues, and weapons seizures over seven months.
Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations in the North-East have recorded significant milestones following sustained military offensives against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements in Borno State.
The Joint Task Force North East, operating under Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), says its troops have neutralized hundreds of insurgents, dismantled terrorist infrastructure, and freed civilians held in captivity over a seven-month period.
The Theatre Commander of OPHK, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, disclosed the operational outcomes during a briefing held in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
According to him, the reported figures cover military engagements carried out between May and December 2025, a period marked by intensified ground and aerial operations across key insurgent strongholds.
Abubakar stated that during the period under review, troops killed no fewer than 438 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in coordinated counterterrorism operations aimed at degrading the operational capacity of the terror groups.
He described the outcomes as a reflection of sustained pressure on insurgent enclaves and supply routes across the North-East.
Beyond battlefield engagements, the OPHK commander said the military recorded notable recoveries of arms and technology used by insurgents to coordinate attacks.
He revealed that troops seized 254 assorted weapons, including rifles, machine guns, and other military-grade equipment.
In addition, 300 Starlink satellite communication devices were recovered, underscoring the increasing sophistication of insurgent communication networks.
Abubakar further disclosed that 366 civilians were rescued from areas previously controlled by Boko Haram insurgency factions.
Many of the rescued individuals, he said, had been held for months under harsh conditions, forced into labor or used as human shields during military confrontations.
Their rescue, according to the commander, remains a key objective of ongoing counterterrorism operations.
One of the most notable developments highlighted during the briefing was the surrender of 881 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, alongside their families.
Abubakar described the mass surrender as a sign of weakening morale within terrorist ranks, attributing it to sustained military pressure and non-kinetic efforts encouraging defections.
“The surrender of these fighters, combined with the rescue of civilians and recovery of weapons, demonstrates measurable progress in our campaign,” Abubakar said.
He stressed that the military remains focused on consolidating gains and preventing insurgents from regrouping.
The OPHK commander credited the reported successes to strategic leadership and logistical support provided by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu.
According to him, timely interventions, improved troop welfare, and enhanced intelligence coordination have strengthened the effectiveness of field operations.
Despite these gains, security challenges persist across the North-East. Large areas of the region remain volatile, with residents frequently reporting attacks, ambushes, and improvised explosive device incidents along highways and rural communities.
Local sources say insurgents continue to exploit difficult terrain and civilian movement corridors to launch surprise attacks.
Observers note that while official military updates point to progress, independent verification of claims remains limited.
Journalists and human rights organizations often face restricted access to frontline locations, making it difficult to fully assess the scale of counterterrorism operations or their humanitarian impact.
Security analysts argue that long-term success against the Boko Haram insurgency will require sustained military pressure alongside governance reforms, economic recovery, and community-based stabilization efforts.
They caution that tactical victories may prove short-lived without addressing the root causes of radicalization, displacement, and poverty in conflict-affected communities.
Abubakar, however, maintained that OPHK troops are determined to maintain operational momentum.
He assured residents that counterterrorism operations would continue until terrorist networks across Borno and neighboring states are dismantled.
“Our troops will not relent,” he said.
“We are committed to restoring peace and ensuring that displaced communities can safely return to their homes.”
As Nigeria continues its fight against insurgency in the North-East, the coming months are expected to test whether recent military gains can translate into lasting security improvements for millions affected by over a decade of conflict.
Ireport247news
About The Author
