A United Kingdom-based media delegation from Channel 4 News has visited the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The delegation, led by its Senior Producer and Team Leader, Mr Freddie Gower, said the visit was aimed at presenting to the international community the successes recorded by the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism.
Gower explained that Channel 4 News, headquartered in London, reaches a global audience and focuses on major human interest stories, terrorism and asymmetric warfare.
According to him, the visit would enable the team to gain first-hand insights through engagements with commanders and local communities.
He expressed appreciation to the Theatre Commander for the reception accorded the delegation, describing the visit as insightful and rewarding.
Gower commended the detailed operational briefings received, noting that they provided a comprehensive understanding of OPHK’s achievements, challenges and progress in counter-terrorism operations.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, reaffirmed the Command’s mandate of restoring normalcy across the North East to enable socio-economic activities to thrive, while sustaining and intensifying stabilisation operations.
Abubakar described the visit as a demonstration of growing international interest in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts and assured the delegation of OPHK’s cooperation in facilitating their assignment.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and responsible media engagement.
The theatre commander said OPHK had prioritised the protection of vulnerable communities through non-kinetic operations, leading to the return of thousands of internally displaced persons to their communities.
He added that improved security conditions had supported farm patrols to boost food security and ensured protection for humanitarian agencies providing medical care, nutrition services and immunisation programmes.
According to him, the security situation in the North East has been largely contained, with ongoing operations significantly degrading terrorist enclaves.
He noted that OPHK continues to leverage cooperation with international partners, including the British Military Advisory and Training Team.
The visit featured operational briefings, signing of the visitors’ register, presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph.
The statement was issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba. (NAN)
