NORTH-EAST MILITARY COMMAND REPORTS MAJOR BLOW TO TERROR FINANCING NETWORK

More than N350 million has been recovered from individuals suspected of financing terrorist activities in Nigeria’s North-East during the 17-month tenure of the outgoing Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar. The commander disclosed the figure during the handing and taking-over ceremony in Maiduguri, where he reviewed the military’s operations and achievements under his leadership. He said the financial recovery formed part of efforts to disrupt the networks supporting terrorist groups operating in the region.

Abubakar also revealed that troops killed more than 1,106 members of the JAS and ISWAP terrorist groups and arrested 758 suspected logistics collaborators during his time in command. The operations were targeted at weakening the ability of the insurgents to recruit fighters, obtain supplies and maintain their operational structures. The arrests of suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators were considered important because such networks provide the manpower, resources and materials required to sustain terrorist activities.

The military has continued to intensify operations across the North-East, combining offensive missions with intelligence-led actions aimed at locating terrorists and disrupting their sources of support. The theatre command has also focused on preventing insurgents from regrouping and extending their activities to communities previously affected by the conflict. The recovery of funds linked to suspected terrorist financiers is expected to further support efforts to cut off the financial channels that enable the groups to operate.

The leadership change comes as Major General Ibikunle Ajose takes over as the new Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai. Ajose, who has previously held other senior operational appointments, is expected to build on the gains recorded by the outgoing commander while facing the continuing threat posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP elements. The military has continued to place emphasis on sustained pressure against the insurgents, improved intelligence gathering and stronger coordination among security agencies operating in the region.

Abubakar's 17-month tenure therefore ends with the military reporting significant arrests, battlefield successes and financial disruptions against terrorist networks. However, the continued presence of insurgent groups means that the new command will still face major security challenges across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. The military is expected to maintain its offensive operations while working to prevent terrorist groups from rebuilding their networks and restoring stability to communities affected by years of insurgency.