Odita Sunday 
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), through the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), has conducted a high-level media assessment tour of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in a bid to showcase operational gains and assess the sustainability of peace and development in stabilised areas of the region.
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed that the initiative was part of sustained efforts by the military to promote transparency and strengthen public confidence in counter-insurgency operations.
The three-day tour brought together senior defence correspondents and media professionals to independently evaluate ongoing military activities, civil-military relations and post-conflict stabilisation programmes 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 counter-insurgency approach, with strong emphasis on non-kinetic operations.
He underscored the strategic vision of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, towards inclusive and people-centred operations, noting that the CDS and Service Chiefs remain media-friendly and committed to strengthening strategic communication.
Highlighting the role of information in asymmetric warfare, Major General Abubakar urged journalists 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 country.
The Theatre Commander further briefed the team on major operational successes recorded across several communities, stressing that sustained military pressure has led to improved security, restoration of economic activities, enhanced protection of vulnerable groups and safer operational space for humanitarian agencies.
Earlier, the team leader, Group Captain Ibrahim Bukar, commended the CDS for fostering an atmosphere of transparency, open-door policy and strong civil-military-media relations, describing strategic communication as a force multiplier in modern warfare.
Group Captain Bukar also praised the troops of Operation HADIN KAI for their resilience and sacrifices, while appreciating the Theatre Commander for his leadership and comprehensive briefing.
During the tour, the delegation visited key operational facilities, including the Joint Investigation Centre, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tunkushe and FOB Molai, where they conducted first-hand assessments of activities.
The visit ended with the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph, reinforcing the military’s commitment to accountability, transparency and public engagement.
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