Nigeria's military has announced significant battlefield gains against insurgent groups in the country's northeast, reporting the neutralization of hundreds of fighters and the seizure of a large cache of weapons over a seven-month period.
The update was delivered by Major-General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK). Speaking at a Christmas luncheon in Maiduguri, Borno State, Abubakar detailed the operational results from coordinated military actions conducted between May and December 2025.
Substantial Enemy Casualties and Equipment Captured
The commander stated that 438 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists were killed during this phase of operations. In addition to the human toll on the insurgent groups, the military recovered a substantial arsenal, including 254 assorted weapons and a notable haul of 300 Starlink satellite communication devices, highlighting the technological means used by the militants.
Furthermore, the operations led to the rescue of 366 civilians who had been held captive in various terrorist enclaves, a primary humanitarian objective of the military campaign.
Surrenders and Sustained Momentum
The military's report also cited a strategic psychological victory, noting the surrender of 881 fighters and their families from the Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'adati wal-Jihad (JAS) and ISWAP factions. This trend of defections is viewed as a key indicator of declining morale and pressure on the insurgent networks.
Major-General Abubakar attributed the operational successes to the support and strategic guidance of the Chief of Army Staff. He assured leadership of the troops' "unwavering commitment" to maintaining the current offensive tempo, particularly during the ongoing critical dry season, which traditionally sees heightened military activity.
The announcement underscores the Nigerian military's continued focus on degrading the operational capabilities of the extremist groups that have plagued the Lake Chad region for over a decade, even as national attention has recently shifted to other security crises in the northwest and central parts of the country.
0 Comments