The sustained offensive by troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has continued to yield significant gains, with no fewer than 438 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists neutralised within seven months.
The Theatre Commander, OPHK, North-east Sector 1, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, disclosed this on Saturday in Maiduguri during the 2025 Christmas Luncheon organised for troops in the Theatre of Operations.
Abubakar said the period under review also witnessed the recovery of 254 assorted weapons and about 300 units of Starlink communication devices, which had been deployed by terrorists to enhance their command, control and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
According to him, the troops equally rescued 366 civilians, including women and children, from various terrorist enclaves across the North-east.
“The surrender of 881 JAS and ISWAP fighters and their families, among other accomplishments, further underscores the progress made by our troops in degrading the operational strength and morale of the terrorists,” the theatre commander said.
He described the achievements as a reflection of the resilience, professionalism and sacrifice of officers and soldiers operating under extremely challenging conditions in the Joint Operations Area (JOA).
Abubakar noted that the Christmas celebration coincided with the ongoing dry season operations, a critical phase traditionally marked by intensified military action against insurgent hideouts.
Despite the demanding operational tempo, he assured the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, of the unwavering commitment of troops to sustain pressure on the terrorists until lasting peace is restored in the region.
“The gallant officers and soldiers of Operation Hadin Kai remain fully committed to maintaining the momentum of our operations, in line with the strategic guidance of the Chief of Army Staff,” he said.
The theatre commander attributed the successes recorded in the JOA to the COAS’ timely interventions, particularly in the areas of logistics support, welfare of troops, improved firepower and enhanced intelligence coordination.
He added that the synergy among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security stakeholders had also contributed significantly to the operational breakthroughs.
Abubakar used the occasion to commend the Federal Government, the Defence Headquarters and the Borno State Government for their sustained support to military operations in the North-east.
He also paid tribute to fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in the fight against terrorism, urging troops to remain steadfast and disciplined as operations progress.
The Christmas luncheon, which featured prayers and goodwill messages, was aimed at boosting the morale of troops deployed across the Theatre during the festive season.
