By Miriam Humbe
In a sustained effort to assess the durability of peace, security and development in stabilised areas of the North East, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), through the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), has led a high-level media assessment tour to the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
Lt Col Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force, (North East) Operation HADIN KAI disclosed this in a statement.
The three-day visit brought together senior defence correspondents and media professionals to independently appraise ongoing military operations, civil-military engagements and post-conflict stabilisation efforts within the theatre.
Receiving the delegation at the Theatre Headquarters in Maiduguri, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to a comprehensive approach to counter-insurgency operations, with strong emphasis on non-kinetic lines of operation.
Major General Abubakar underscored the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede’s strategic drive towards inclusive, people-centred operations, noting that the CDS and the Service Chiefs remain media-friendly and committed to strengthening strategic communication across all theatres.
Highlighting the role of information in asymmetric warfare, the Theatre Commander urged the media to sustain credible, balanced and responsible reportage capable of building public trust and national confidence.
He noted that timely dissemination of verified information remains critical in the evolving security environment confronting the nation.
The Theatre Commander further briefed the team on significant operational gains recorded across several communities, stressing that sustained military pressure has led to improved security, restoration of socio-economic activities, enhanced protection of vulnerable populations and safer operating space for humanitarian actors, including non-governmental organisations.
Speaking earlier, the team leader, Group Captain Ibrahim Bukar, commended the leadership of the CDS for fostering an enabling environment anchored on transparency, open-door policy and robust civil-military-media relations.
He described strategic communication as a force multiplier and an essential component of modern military operations, stressing that national security is a collective responsibility that requires professional media engagement.
Group Captain Bukar also applauded the troops of Operation HADIN KAI for their resilience and sacrifices, while expressing appreciation to the Theatre Commander for his exemplary leadership, warm reception and the comprehensive operational briefing provided to the delegation.
As part of the tour, the Defence Media Assessment Team visited key operational locations within the theatre, including the Joint Investigation Centre, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tunkushe and FOB Molai, where first-hand assessments of ongoing activities were conducted.
The visit culminated in the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph, marking another milestone in strengthening transparency, accountability and public confidence in the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
