The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), on Monday, 24 August 2026, engaged university authorities in the North East as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with tertiary institutions and enhance the safety of students, staff and academic communities across the region.
A statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni Acting Military Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI Maiduguri said the delegation, which visited the Theatre Command Headquarters, was led by former Vice Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University, Patigi, Kwara State, Professor Ali Audu Sani, and included the Vice Chancellor of Al-Ansar University, Borno State, Professor Fanna Inna Abdulrahman, and Vice Chancellor of Borno State University, Professor Babagana Gutti.
The university leaders commended the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his continued support to counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North East. They also appreciated OPHK troops for their sacrifices and commitment, noting that the improving security situation has boosted confidence and provided a more conducive environment for academic activities.
They further acknowledged security assessments conducted by OPHK, which provided recommendations on perimeter protection, surveillance, communication and emergency preparedness. According to them, several of the recommendations had been implemented, including the strengthening of perimeter security, installation of surveillance cameras and improvement of communication systems. They consequently pledged to sustain cooperation and timely information-sharing with security agencies.
Responding, the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, thanked the university leaders for recognising the sacrifices of troops and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting educational institutions as critical national assets. He stressed that security and education are closely linked, noting that developing human capacity and strengthening community resilience remain essential to achieving lasting peace in the North East.
The Theatre Commander also highlighted the strategic role of universities in the non-kinetic aspect of counter-terrorism, particularly in countering radicalisation, misinformation and extremist narratives. He explained that educated and resilient youths are less susceptible to terrorist recruitment, while universities can contribute to promoting patriotism, responsible citizenship and resistance to extremist propaganda. He assured the delegation that OPHK would continue to combine kinetic operations with proactive security measures, strategic engagement and intelligence-led protection of vulnerable institutions.
Major General Abubakar therefore urged university authorities to sustain the implementation of security recommendations, enhance internal vigilance and maintain effective communication with security agencies for early warning and timely response to emerging threats. The engagement further reinforced the shared commitment of OPHK and the academic community to strengthening civil-military cooperation, protecting educational institutions and creating a safe environment for learning, research and sustainable development across the North East
