Army Says N350m in Terrorist-Linked Funds Intercepted, Over 500 Weapons Recovered in North-East

The outgoing commander of Nigeria’s North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abubakar Abdulsalam, says troops intercepted more than N350 million linked to terrorist financiers and recovered more than 500 assorted weapons during his tenure.

Abdulsalam disclosed the figures on Tuesday, September 15, during a press briefing at the Joint Task Force headquarters in Maiduguri, Borno State, held as he prepared to leave the command. His comments formed part of a wider account of military operations conducted under his leadership since April 2025.

The commander said the military also captured 758 suspected terrorist logistics collaborators, recovered more than 25,000 rounds of ammunition and discovered and safely detonated more than 300 explosive devices during the period.

The figures are claims made by the outgoing theatre commander. The reports reviewed for this article did not provide independent documentation breaking down the N350 million recovery, the individual cases involved or the legal status of the seized funds.

Military reports more than 1,200 terrorists neutralised

Abdulsalam said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had neutralised more than 1,200 members of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during his tenure.

He also said more than 216 senior terrorist leaders had been killed.

In addition to personnel losses among the armed groups, the military reported recovering more than 500 weapons and 25,000 rounds of ammunition. Such recoveries form part of the military’s efforts to disrupt the weapons and logistics networks supporting insurgent operations in the North-East.

Operation Hadin Kai is Nigeria’s principal military operation against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East. The campaign has operated in a region affected by insurgency since 2009, with the violence causing extensive deaths and displacement. Reuters, citing Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project figures, reported last week that the insurgency had killed more than 40,000 people and displaced millions since 2009.

More than 7,000 displaced families reportedly returned

Abdulsalam said the military’s objective was not limited to battlefield operations but also included restoring conditions that would allow communities to resume normal economic and social activities.

According to his account, more than 7,000 displaced families returned to their ancestral communities during his tenure.

He also reported that more than 3,000 people were repatriated from Cameroon, while communities that had previously been abandoned were being reoccupied.

The commander pointed to the reopening of markets, major supply routes and schools as other indicators of the changes recorded in parts of the theatre.

He said the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp had returned to Maiduguri after more than 13 years. He also said WAEC and NECO examinations were again being conducted in communities including Banki and Gwoza.

Military says terrorist surrenders have increased

The outgoing commander also reported an increase in surrenders by members of terrorist groups, particularly during 2026.

He attributed the development to sustained military pressure combined with what he described as non-kinetic measures that provide pathways for combatants to surrender.

The military’s counter-insurgency strategy therefore extends beyond direct combat. It also involves attempts to disrupt logistics, financial networks and other support structures while encouraging fighters and associates to leave the insurgency.

The reported interception of terrorist-linked funds is part of that broader approach.

New commander takes over Operation Hadin Kai

Abdulsalam’s figures come as he leaves Operation Hadin Kai following a wider Nigerian Army leadership reshuffle.

Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose was appointed the new theatre commander earlier this month, replacing Abdulsalam. Ajose previously served at Army Headquarters in Abuja. The Army said the broader redeployment of senior officers was intended to improve operational effectiveness, strengthen leadership and align command structures with changing security challenges.

Abdulsalam had assumed command of Operation Hadin Kai on April 28, 2025, becoming the 15th officer to hold the position.

Ajose has said he intends to maintain pressure on terrorist groups while also recognising that lasting stability in the North-East cannot be achieved through military operations alone.

What the figures mean

The numbers presented by the outgoing commander provide a snapshot of the military’s reported activities during his 17-month tenure.

They include:

• More than N350 million in funds reportedly linked to terrorist financiers intercepted
• 758 terrorist logistics collaborators captured, according to the commander
• More than 500 assorted weapons recovered
• More than 25,000 rounds of ammunition recovered
• More than 300 explosive devices discovered and safely detonated
• More than 1,200 JAS and ISWAP fighters reportedly neutralised
• More than 216 senior terrorist leaders reportedly killed
• More than 7,000 displaced families reportedly returned to their communities
• More than 3,000 people reportedly repatriated from Cameroon

These figures should be understood as the military’s reported operational assessment rather than as independently audited measurements. In particular, the available reporting does not provide sufficient evidence to independently verify every numerical claim.

For communities in Borno, Yobe and other parts of the North-East, the more consequential question is whether military gains can translate into sustained security, functioning public services, safe roads, economic activity and the ability of displaced residents to remain safely in their communities.

The change in command now places responsibility for the next phase of Operation Hadin Kai with Major General Ajose, who inherits an operation that continues to face Boko Haram and ISWAP activity across the region.