The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Haruna, says sustained military operations have improved security in the north eastern part of the country.
He said this had led to return of economic activities and public gatherings in the region.
Haruna said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Wednesday in Maiduguri.
He noted that the return of major agricultural activities as well as successful coronations of new traditional rulers in Madagali, Askira, Chibok, Dikwa, and Bama were clear indicators of improved stability in the region.
He explained that the presence of high-profile guests at these events, including top government officials, military commanders, and traditional rulers, were testaments to the improved security environment.
He also highlighted the success of last year’s farming season, which according to him, recorded bumper harvest, as further proof of growing stability in rural communities of the region.
”If you want to confirm, just visit Pulka or other farming areas. You will see that many farmers are still processing and storing their harvests,” he said.
He noted that before now, farmers were unable to access their farmlands due to persistent threats from insurgents, stressing that the military operations have created a more secured environment for agricultural activities to thrive.
He also said that the secure environment had created an atmosphere for free movement of people and goods to community markets in different parts of the region.
”Unlike in the past, residents can now travel from one location to another without requiring military escorts. That alone is a major sign that things have changed,” he said.
The GOC reaffirmed that kinetic operations remained a critical tool in dismantling insurgents’ hideouts and forcing militants to surrender.
”We are still in the field, monitoring and engaging them. Through such sustained operations, many terrorists have voluntarily surrendered because they can no longer sustain themselves in what they are doing.
“It is becoming increasingly difficult for them to operate,” he said.
He reiterated that the military would continue using kinetic means alongside intelligence-driven operations to ensure the complete eradication of terrorism in the region.
Haruna further highlighted the military’s non-kinetic interventions, which include providing security for schools, facilitating economic activities, and assisting communities affected by humanitarian crises.
”We have done a lot to win the hearts and minds of the people. One example is during the recent floods, where the military played a crucial role in rescue operations.
”In fact, we worked so closely with NEMA and SEMA that we practically became an emergency response agency ourselves,” he said.
He said that those interventions had positively reshaped public perceptions of the military, making it easier for troops to operate and engage with local communities.
”Our efforts have not only restored peace but have also encouraged economic growth, education, and general development in the region,” he added.(NAN)
