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Outgoing OPHK Theatre Commander, Maj-Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar
By AHMED KAIGAMA
Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, outgoing Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), says troops have neutralised 1,106 terrorists and recovered 475 assorted weapons and 24,409 rounds of ammunition in the North-East since he assumed office in April 2025 to date.
Abubakar disclosed this on Tuesday in Maiduguri at a stakeholders’ engagement and send forth meeting marking the end of his 16 months tenure as the 15th Theatre Commander of OPHK.
He said the achievements were recorded alongside the return of more than 7,000 displaced families to their ancestral communities across Borno.
According to him, over 3,000 Nigerians were also voluntarily, safely and dignifiedly repatriated from Cameroon through collaboration between the Borno Government, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
He said the return of the NYSC Orientation Scheme to Maiduguri after more than 13 years, conduct of WAEC and NECO examinations in Banki and Gwoza, and reopening of trade routes and markets were “indications of restored normalcy”.
Abubakar added that troops had discovered and detonated 295 improvised explosive devices and intercepted more than N300 million linked to terrorist financiers, while 758 logistics collaborators were arrested.
He said 969 JAS/ISWAP fighters and their families had surrendered within the last year, while 638 civilians were rescued from terrorist enclaves.
The commander said the Theatre also rescued all 46 students during the attempted abduction at the Federal Government Girls College, Monguno.
He commended President Bola Tinubu, military leadership, Borno Government, humanitarian organisations, security agencies, media and other partners for their support.
Abubakar introduced Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose as the 16th Theatre Commander of OPHK, describing him as a seasoned infantry officer with extensive operational experience.
Ajose pledged to work with stakeholders to sustain the gains and intensify efforts to defeat insurgency in the region.
Speaking, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, commended the military for its sacrifices and restoration of normalcy in the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, the governor assured the command of continued support and effective partnership. (NAN)
