DHQ Media Team Visits Operation Hadin Kai to Assess Troops’ Efforts Against Boko Haram in Northeast Nigeria

By Anthonia N Okwuolise

In a bid to better understand the efforts of the Nigerian military in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, sent a powerful media delegation to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State. The delegation was led by Brigadier General Dahiru Abu-Mawashi, who is the Deputy Director of Media Operations at the DHQ.

Speaking to newsmen, Brigadier General Abu-Mawashi explained that the purpose of the visit was to give DHQ media correspondents an opportunity to interact directly with troops on the battlefield and get a clearer, unfiltered picture of what is truly happening in the Northeast. He said this initiative was the idea of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabi Musa, who believes in transparency and truth in reporting military operations.

He emphasized that this kind of visit is important because people across the country need to understand the real conditions on the ground, not just what is being said or shown on social media. According to him, seeing things firsthand helps journalists tell a more accurate story.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, while receiving the delegation, expressed appreciation for the visit and explained that regular engagements between the media and the military help build mutual trust and understanding. He said such interactions also allow the public to appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of Nigerian troops who are daily facing terrorists in harsh and dangerous conditions.

General Abubakar noted that social media reports sometimes portray the military in a negative light due to inaccurate or incomplete stories. He called on journalists to help correct these wrong impressions by reporting the truth.

He thanked the media for their resilience and continuous support through their coverage of the military operations, stating that only through their work can the general public fully understand the efforts, sacrifices, and progress of the Armed Forces.

He reassured everyone that Operation Hadin Kai remains focused, determined, and committed to its main objective, which is to restore peace and provide a safe environment where businesses, farming, and everyday life can thrive again in the region.

Speaking further, General Abubakar explained that the war against terrorism is not just a war against the military, but a war against Nigeria as a whole. According to him, the terrorists are not fighting only soldiers, they are attacking schools, markets, farms, and innocent people. He described the fight as an asymmetrical war, which means it is unpredictable and complex, not like conventional battles.

He called on the media to report terrorism as a threat to the nation and not just a military affair. He said the military has been making great sacrifices to bring normalcy back to affected communities.

“We have our troops here in the field, scattered across various locations, operating under extremely difficult weather conditions,” he said. “Sometimes it’s extremely hot during the day and very cold at night, yet these brave soldiers continue their duties without complaining.”

“These men and women are heroes, and the least we can do is to appreciate them. One powerful way to do that is through honest and supportive media reporting,” he added.

He urged everyone to remember that these soldiers are also Nigerians, and it’s not the military versus terrorists, it’s terrorists against Nigeria. “Once we all realize this and unite in this fight, we can make greater progress,” he stated.

During the visit, the Chief of Staff of Operation Hadin Kai, Brigadier General Adamu Ibrahim, gave insight into a sensitive but important topic. He explained why the military does not usually neutralize or prosecute female terrorists. According to him, Nigeria is a signatory to several international laws governing armed conflict, which protect women and children—especially those no longer actively participating in fighting.

He said the Nigerian military strictly respects human rights and will not violate those rights, even when dealing with terrorists. “Boko Haram members are Nigerians too, and many of them have wives and children. We do not engage their families in combat or punishment because that would be against the law,” he clarified.

Brigadier General Ibrahim also mentioned that recent airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force destroyed a new Boko Haram settlement in Borno State and neutralized many bandits who were regrouping.

As part of their visit, the media team was taken to the Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) in Maiduguri, where investigations into suspected terrorists are conducted. According to Captain Olugbenga Adeniyi, who represented the Acting Commander of JIC, Colonel AU Ahmed, the Centre has completed investigations on 1,450 out of the 1,877 arrested terrorists. These individuals were arrested in connection to terrorist activities across the region.

Captain Adeniyi explained that the Centre divides the suspects into three groups after investigations. Those found guilty are sent for prosecution at the Giwa Centre in Kainji. Those found not to be directly involved in terrorism are sent for rehabilitation, while those who can be reintegrated into society are handed over to the Borno State Government.

He said the Complex Casework Group (CCG) reviews all investigation reports and gives legal advice to ensure the right decisions are made.

However, he also mentioned that there are serious challenges facing the Centre. One major issue is the lack of witnesses. Many people are either afraid to testify or cannot be reached due to the dangerous nature of some communities. This makes it hard to build strong cases against suspects.

Another issue is the delay in prosecution. Even after investigations are completed, many suspects remain in custody for long periods because of legal delays, which the Centre is hoping the government can resolve soon.

Captain Adeniyi called for the creation of special courts dedicated to trying terrorism-related cases, to help speed up the justice process.

The delegation moved to Operation Base, FOB, Tungushe, a community in Konduga Local Government and Molai in Jere Local Government Area of Borno, on Wednesday 28 May 2025, revealed the proactive posture of the troops.

Speaking with Defence Media Team who are on fact-finding tour, the Commanding Officer of 212 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Christian Okupe, said the troops were in high spirit and focused on winning the war.

Lt. Col Okupe explained that the major assignment of the FOB Tungushe was to ensure that the locals were protected and safe to carry out their faming activities without fear of attacks by Boko Haram terrorists.

He called on the media to support the military in the on-going fight against terrorism as well as the entire civil populace to be able to win the war.

He also urged the civil populace to refrain from demoralising the troops with their social media reportage

Meanwhile, during their visit to a Forward Operating Base (FOB), Captain Kabiru Musa, the Commanding Officer, explained that their main duty is to protect civilians and make sure people can go about their daily activities like farming without fear.

He said the soldiers often escort farmers to their fields during the day and carry out regular patrols to prevent attacks. He also praised the local residents for working with the military by sharing useful information and intelligence.

One of the community members, Mallam Baba Adamu, who is also a head teacher, thanked the soldiers for their support. He said their presence had brought peace to the area, allowing farmers to return to their farms. However, he appealed to the government to provide clean drinking water and also help control the activities of herdsmen, who sometimes destroy farmlands.

At another base in Molai, Jere Local Government Area, the Acting Commanding Officer, Major Darush Yusuf, said the military had recently recorded huge successes in ambushing terrorists.

He said the troops intercepted terrorists at a river crossing point in Kumala, on their way to the Sambisa forest. During the operation, they recovered six deadly 105mm howitzer bombs, each of which could kill over 200 people if detonated.

Major Yusuf said the fight at the base is a matter of life and death. “We’re giving it our all. The army has equipped us with everything we need, and the welfare of our soldiers is being well taken care of. Morale is high, and we are grateful,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Borno State Government, Ali Gonilawan, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Resettlement, praised the military for making it possible for the state government to continue rebuilding destroyed communities.

He said the state is currently constructing 500 housing units in Dalwa community for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and that the security provided by the military makes this possible.

“We have succeeded in returning our people to their homes with the help of the military. We’re also working hand in hand with other security agencies to ensure peace and stability in the region,” Gonilawan concluded.

The visit by the DHQ media delegation gave journalists a rare, real-time experience of the battlefield, showcasing not just the military operations, but the sacrifices, challenges, and resilience of both the troops and the communities affected by terrorism in the Northeast.