OPERATION HADIN KAI, UNIVERSITIES STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP ON CAMPUS SECURITY

The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has strengthened its partnership with universities in the region as part of efforts to enhance the security of students, staff and academic communities.

The development followed an engagement between the Theatre Command of OPHK and university authorities in the North East. 

The delegation, led by former Vice Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University, Patigi, Kwara State, Professor Ali Audu Sani, included the Vice Chancellor of Al-Ansar University, Borno State, Professor Fanna Inna Abdulrahman, and the Vice Chancellor of Borno State University, Professor Babagana Gutti.

In a statement, the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the engagement was aimed at deepening collaboration between security agencies and tertiary institutions to safeguard educational facilities across the region.

The university leaders commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North East, while also appreciating OPHK troops for their sacrifices and commitment to restoring peace in the region.

They noted that the improving security situation had boosted confidence and created a more conducive environment for academic activities.

The university authorities also acknowledged security assessments conducted by OPHK, which provided recommendations on perimeter protection, surveillance, communication systems and emergency preparedness.

According to them, some of the recommendations had already been implemented, including the strengthening of perimeter security, installation of surveillance cameras and improvement of communication systems.

They consequently pledged to sustain cooperation with security agencies and ensure timely sharing of information to support early detection and response to emerging threats.

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.

Abubakar stressed that security and education were closely linked, noting that human capacity development and community resilience were essential to achieving lasting peace in the North East.

He further highlighted the strategic role of universities in the non-kinetic aspect of counter-terrorism, particularly in countering radicalisation, misinformation and extremist narratives.

According to him, educated and resilient youths are less susceptible to terrorist recruitment, while universities have an important role to play in promoting patriotism, responsible citizenship and resistance to extremist propaganda.

The Theatre Commander assured the delegation that OPHK would continue to combine kinetic operations with proactive security measures, strategic engagement and intelligence-led protection of vulnerable institutions.

He urged university authorities to sustain the implementation of security recommendations, strengthen internal vigilance and maintain effective communication with security agencies to facilitate early warning and timely response to emerging security threats.

The engagement underscored the shared commitment of Operation HADIN KAI 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.