Troops of the Nigerian military operating under Operation Hadin Kai have announced a strategic shift in their approach to counter the recent surge of terrorist activities in Borno State.

Lt Col Christian Okupe, commanding officer of 212 Battalion, Forward Operation Base (FOB) Tungushe in Konduga Local Government Area, stated that the troops remain in high spirits and focused on winning the war against insurgency.

"Our primary assignment at FOB Tungushe is to ensure that locals are protected and can safely carry out their farming activities without fear of attacks by Boko Haram terrorists," Okupe explained.

The commanding officer called for media support in the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts and urged the public to refrain from demoralizing troops with uninformed social media comments.

Community Response and Military Successes

Mallam Baba Adamu, a head teacher speaking on behalf of the Tungushe community, commended the military's efforts in securing the area and enabling residents to engage in farming activities. He appealed to the government to provide potable water and address issues with herdsmen who reportedly damage crops.

At FOB Molai in Jere Local Government Area, Acting Commanding Officer Major Darush Yusuf reported significant recent successes against terrorist groups.

"The troops successfully engaged and neutralised terrorists at their crossing point to Sambisa forest in Kumala, recovering six 105mm howitzer bombs from them," Yusuf said.

He emphasized that the operation is a "do or die affair" and expressed gratitude for the army's provision of necessary equipment and welfare support, noting that "our equipment is 100 per cent, and all the soldiers are happy with their welfare from the Nigerian army."

Impact on Resettlement Efforts

Ali Gonilawan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Resettlement in Borno State, acknowledged that military operations have facilitated government efforts to resettle Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

"The efforts of the military have helped the government to continue with the construction of 500 housing units in the Dalwa community for the resettlement of IDPs," Gonilawan stated.

He highlighted the collaborative approach to security, noting that "we have to collaborate with other stakeholders like the military, who are providing the needed security to those who are going to occupy these houses. Not only the military, we also have some other security personnel who also work together with the military."

The restrategised military operations come as part of ongoing efforts to completely eliminate insurgency in Nigeria's northeast region and facilitate the return of displaced communities to their ancestral homes.