The new Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Ibikunle Ajase, has pledged to sustain and consolidate gains recorded in the fight against terrorism and other security threats in the North-East.
Ajase assumed command at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force, North-East, in Maiduguri, succeeding Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who served for 17 months.
The new commander said he would strengthen collaboration with security agencies, government institutions, development partners, the media and communities to improve security across the region.
He also assured stakeholders of his commitment to maintaining the momentum against insurgency.
Speaking at a press briefing to mark his departure, Abubakar said his tenure recorded significant achievements, including the return of more than 7,000 displaced families to their ancestral communities.
He said more than 5,000 terrorists and their associates had surrendered, while several senior Boko Haram commanders were apprehended.
“When I assumed this command on 28 April last year, the mandate given by Army Headquarters was very clear, and that was to facilitate the restoration of normalcy in the North-East so that socio-economic activities can thrive,” he said.
According to him, the reopening of markets, major supply routes and schools, as well as the return of internally displaced persons, reflected improved security in the region.
“Together and collectively, we have seen over 7,000 displaced families return to their ancestral communities, and today, communities that were hitherto abandoned for years have now been reoccupied,” Abubakar said.
He disclosed that over 300 explosive devices had been discovered and safely detonated, while more than N350 million allegedly linked to terrorist financiers was intercepted.
Abubakar added that 758 terrorist logistics collaborators were captured and several major terrorist camps were dismantled across the theatre.
He cited the return of the National Youth Service Corps programme to Borno after 13 years, as well as the resumption of full NECO and WAEC operations, as further signs of improving security.
The outgoing commander attributed the achievements to the support of the military leadership, Borno State Government and other stakeholders.
He expressed confidence in Ajase, describing his infantry background and previous experience in Borno as valuable assets for the counter-terrorism campaign.
The Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, who represented Governor Babagana Zulum, commended Abubakar for his service and commitment to restoring peace in the state.
The event featured awards and commendations to individuals and organisations recognised for their contributions to Operation Hadin Kai.
