By Fatima Saka
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has reinforced its counter-terrorism momentum with seamless command transitions across Sectors 1, 2, and 3, alongside major operational successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, ensuring a secure environment ahead of Eid-el-Adha celebrations.
The Theatre Command confirmed that the smooth handover of leadership in key sectors has strengthened operational continuity and stability, with incoming commanders pledging to sustain and intensify ongoing offensives against террорист groups across the North-East.
In Maiduguri, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu handed over Sector 1 command to Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, noting that the division is now more stable following sustained operations. Similarly, in Damaturu, Brigadier General Beyidi Martins transferred command of Sector 2 to Brigadier General Edet Effiong, while in Monguno, Brigadier General Shehu Ahmed assumed leadership of Sector 3 from Major General Suleiman Tilawan.
Across all sectors, the new commanders pledged to consolidate existing gains, enhance professionalism, and maintain aggressive operations to deny terrorists freedom of action.
Meanwhile, troops have recorded significant battlefield successes, including the foiling of coordinated террорист attacks along the Buratai–Chara axis in Borno State. Surveillance-led operations enabled troops to engage and repel insurgents, inflicting heavy casualties while recovering ammunition without recording losses on the military side.
In Yobe State, troops, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters, neutralised four террористs during an ambush operation in Gujba Local Government Area and recovered AK-47 rifles. Additional offensives across Damboa, Gwoza, Goniri, and other strategic corridors have further disrupted insurgent movements and reinforced military dominance.
The operation also yielded gains in counter-criminal activities, with arrests of armed robbery suspects, a drug peddler, and a suspected террорист collaborator across Borno and Adamawa states. Recovered items included weapons, illicit substances, and stolen valuables.
On the humanitarian front, troops intensified rescue efforts, freeing abducted civilians and reuniting them with their families. The total number of persons rescued from a recent Ngoshe incident has risen to 69, with additional victims escaping captivity due to sustained military pressure.
The military also strengthened civil-military relations during Eid-el-Adha celebrations, particularly in Sector 2, where troops hosted community leaders and civilians in a Sallah event aimed at boosting morale and fostering unity.
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The Theatre Command reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to sustaining operational pressure on террорист groups, protecting civilians, and restoring lasting peace and economic stability in the region.
It emphasised that the successful leadership transitions and recent operational victories demonstrate the resilience, professionalism, and coordination of troops working alongside other security agencies and local stakeholders.
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