The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, has said that Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) are not just targeting the armed forces but are waging war against Nigeria itself.
Speaking in Maiduguri during a media tour of the operational theatre, Abubakar described the fight against insurgency as an asymmetric war that poses significant challenges. He urged the media to frame terrorism as a national issue rather than a military one.
He highlighted the sacrifices of troops who continue to operate in difficult terrain and harsh weather to stabilise communities affected by insurgency. “Our troops are deployed across several locations under tough conditions. These are heroes, and the best way to honour them is through proper media coverage,” he said. “This is not terrorists against the armed forces. It is terrorists against Nigeria.”
Abubakar also noted the military’s strict adherence to human rights, even while carrying out difficult missions.
Speaking on the treatment of female members of Boko Haram, Brig.-Gen. Adamu Ibrahim, Chief of Staff of Operation Hadin Kai, clarified that under international humanitarian law, women and children who do not participate in hostilities are not considered combatants. “As long as their wives and children don’t take up arms, they are not legitimate targets,” he said.
Ibrahim stressed that Nigeria remains committed to international laws protecting civilians in conflict, including non-combatant family members of insurgents.
Providing an overview of the operation, Maj. Ademola Owolana said the Joint Task Force in the northeast has made significant gains but continues to face challenges. These include drone attacks by terrorists, the threat of insider sabotage, and widespread use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
He cited a recent successful operation in Kukawa, where troops and air support repelled an assault by insurgents using motorcycles. A total of 28 terrorists were neutralised.
Owolana noted that Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters continue to target isolated communities for supplies, weapons, and recruits. “This behaviour indicates desperation among their leadership as they try to regroup and mount future attacks,” he said.
