Lagos, Monday, 02/02/2026

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) commends the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the troops of Operation HADIN KAI, for their recent and decisive successes in degrading terrorist networks in the North East. The neutralization of Abu Khalid, the second-in-command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest, alongside other terrorist elements, represents not only a tactical victory but a strategic blow to the operational and command structures of these violent groups.

These outcomes, coming on the heels of the elimination of other high-value targets, underscore the professionalism, resilience, and sacrifice of our troops, as well as the growing effectiveness of coordinated military and civilian collaboration. MPAC recognizes these efforts as critical to restoring peace, protecting civilian lives, and preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

However, while kinetic victories remain necessary, MPAC strongly urges that counter-terrorism operations be increasingly intelligence-focused and intelligence-driven. Sustainable success will depend less on sheer force and more on timely, accurate intelligence, community trust, inter-agency synergy, and pre-emptive disruption of terrorist logistics, recruitment, and financing networks. This strategic shift will optimize results, reduce casualties, and ensure more enduring stability.

MPAC calls on the Military High Command to sustain the operational momentum, deepen intelligence coordination, and continue to prioritize the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure. We also encourage all stakeholders – security agencies, community leaders, and civil society – to strengthen collaboration in order to isolate violent extremists and deny them any social, economic, or ideological oxygen.

Nigeria deserves peace. Our communities deserve safety. Our nation deserves a future free from the scourge of terrorism. MPAC stands firmly with our Armed Forces in this just and necessary struggle.

-The End-