By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), has commended Nigerian troops for what he described as “remarkable and coordinated successes” in ongoing military operations across the country, noting that recent gains signal progress in efforts to curb terrorism and criminal activities.

In a statement titled “Operation Hadin Kai and Beyond: How Nigerian Troops Are Turning the Tide Against Terrorism and Criminality,” Buratai said troops have intensified offensives from the North-East to other regions, reporting operational gains against insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and oil theft networks.

According to him, in the North-East theatre, troops of Operation Hadin Kai repelled coordinated attacks in Borno and Yobe states, recovering weapons including rifles and other military equipment.

He said that in Kukareta community, troops engaged insurgents in a major encounter, while in a separate operation in Kanamma, soldiers prevented infiltration attempts.

Buratai also stated that a senior commander of Islamic State West Africa Province, identified as Abu Jarir, was neutralised in Yobe State, describing the development as a significant operational milestone.

He attributed the reported successes to enhanced coordination between the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force, including targeted air operations around the Lake Chad region.

In the North-West, Buratai said troops under Operation Fansan Yamma have intensified efforts against banditry. He noted that in Katsina State, security forces engaged armed groups, leading to the recovery of rustled cattle.

He added that operations in Zamfara and Kaduna states led to the disruption of criminal camps, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of arms and ammunition.

In the North-Central region, he said troops of Operation Enduring Peace have recorded progress in addressing communal clashes and cattle rustling, including arrests and recovery of stolen livestock.

Buratai also highlighted activities in the South-South, where troops uncovered illegal oil bunkering sites in Rivers State and recovered quantities of stolen crude oil.

In the South-East, he said troops carried out arrests linked to attacks on security personnel, while also recovering the remains of two soldiers killed in 2022, who are to receive full military burial honours.

The former army chief noted that troops have also made arrests of suspected collaborators, disrupted logistics networks, and foiled kidnapping attempts across different theatres.

While commending the leadership of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, Buratai attributed the reported gains to improved intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, and the resilience of personnel.

He, however, cautioned that security challenges persist, urging sustained efforts against criminal elements.

Buratai called on Nigerians to support the armed forces by providing credible information, encouraging personnel, and avoiding the spread of misinformation. He also urged the media to present balanced reports reflecting both challenges and progress in military operations.

“The road ahead is still long, but the direction is clear. With sustained pressure and national support, peace and security can be strengthened across the country,” he said.