He said this had led to return of economic activities and public gatherings in the region.

Haruna said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

He noted that the return of major agricultural activities as well as successful coronations of new traditional rulers in Madagali, Askira, Chibok, Dikwa, and Bama were clear indicators of improved stability in the region.

He explained that the presence of high-profile guests at these events, including top government officials, military commanders, and traditional rulers, were testaments to the improved security environment.

He also highlighted the success of last year’s farming season, which according to him, recorded bumper harvest, as further proof of growing stability in rural communities of the region.

”If you want to confirm, just visit Pulka or other farming areas. You will see that many farmers are still processing and storing their harvests,” he said.

He noted that before now, farmers were unable to access their farmlands due to persistent threats from insurgents, stressing that the military operations have created a more secured environment for agricultural activities to thrive.

He also said that the secure environment had created an atmosphere for free movement of people and goods to community markets in different parts of the region.

”Unlike in the past, residents can now travel from one location to another without requiring military escorts. That alone is a major sign that things have changed,” he said.

The GOC reaffirmed that kinetic operations remained a critical tool in dismantling insurgents’ hideouts and forcing militants to surrender.

”We are still in the field, monitoring and engaging them. Through such sustained operations, many terrorists have voluntarily surrendered because they can no longer sustain themselves in what they are doing.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult for them to operate,” he said.

He reiterated that the military would continue using kinetic means alongside intelligence-driven operations to ensure the complete eradication of terrorism in the region.

Haruna further highlighted the military’s non-kinetic interventions, which include providing security for schools, facilitating economic activities, and assisting communities affected by humanitarian crises.

”We have done a lot to win the hearts and minds of the people. One example is during the recent floods, where the military played a crucial role in rescue operations.

”In fact, we worked so closely with NEMA and SEMA that we practically became an emergency response agency ourselves,” he said.

He said that those interventions had positively reshaped public perceptions of the military, making it easier for troops to operate and engage with local communities.

”Our efforts have not only restored peace but have also encouraged economic growth, education, and general development in the region,” he added.(NAN)

Executive Director, Civil Society Organisation, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC),, Auwal Rafsanjani, stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

This, Rafsanjani said, would help to prevent re-radicalisation and mitigate potential threats to communities in the state.

He, however, commended Gov. Dauda Lawal for adopting a different approach to end banditry in the state.

Rafsanjani said that the governor took the right step by launching Operation Safe Corridor, an initiative aimed at tackling insecurity through a non-kinetic approach.

“The shift from kinetic to non-kinetic approach in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges aligns with the administration’s commitment to decisively tackling banditry.

“The initiative offers a safe passage for non-radicalised individuals who were drawn into banditry due to illiteracy, poverty and other socio-economic factors.

“CISLAC believes Operation Safe Corridor will strengthen policy focus on non-kinetic measures, reducing the heavy reliance on arms and ammunition in maintaining peace,” he said.

The executive director said that the state government should intensify efforts to disrupt the cycle of banditry at various stages, including ideation, recruitment, indoctrination and violence.

He also called for public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements to enhance community awareness and counter-extremism education.

Rafsanjani stressed the importance of providing psycho-social support, compensation and reconstruction for victims of banditry to alleviate their trauma and mitigate socio-economic losses.

He urged the Federal Government to collaborate with the state government to ensure successful implementation of Operation Safe Corridor. (NAN)