The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has reaffirmed the operation’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security across the North East, saying ongoing military efforts are focused on creating a safe environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the Theatre Commander made the remarks while receiving the Bureau Chief of African Voices and Team Leader of the Italian Radio Television, Mr. Valerio Cataldi, and members of his delegation during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of Operation HADIN KAI on Tuesday.
Major General Abubakar welcomed the delegation and reiterated the command’s readiness to support professional and objective media coverage of the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North East.
He emphasised the importance of the media in strategic communications, particularly in countering misinformation and projecting factual accounts of the activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He noted that the integration of kinetic and non-kinetic operations, intelligence-driven missions and sustained disruption of terrorist logistics networks has continued to yield positive results.
The Theatre Commander said the military’s operations have enhanced the protection of vulnerable communities, facilitated the return of thousands of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes, improved security for farming activities, led to the recovery of arms and other combat equipment, and compelled the surrender of several terrorist commanders, fighters and logistics collaborators.
He also reaffirmed that Operation HADIN KAI conducts all its operations in strict compliance with International Humanitarian Law and the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s Rules of Engagement, with civilian harm mitigation remaining a key operational priority.
While acknowledging the persistent threat posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and the emerging use of armed drones by terrorist groups influenced by foreign actors, Major General Abubakar said the overall security situation in the North East has improved significantly due to enhanced operational capabilities, specialised training, technological innovation and sustained collaboration with strategic partners.
Speaking during the visit, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Valerio Cataldi, thanked the Theatre Commander for the warm reception and detailed operational briefing. He explained that the visit was aimed at documenting the sacrifices, resilience and achievements of Operation HADIN KAI in the fight against terrorism while presenting an objective account of the conflict to international audiences.
Cataldi said the Italian media team would focus on human-interest stories, the impact of terrorism and asymmetric warfare on affected communities, as well as the progress recorded by the Armed Forces of Nigeria through interactions with troops, local residents and surrendered former terrorists.
The statement added that the delegation received a comprehensive briefing on Operation HADIN KAI’s activities, operational achievements, peacebuilding initiatives and the current security environment in the North East. The visit concluded with an interactive session, the signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph.
