By: Zagazola Makama
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, on Wednesday shed light on how the Nigerian military was steadily helping farmers boost food production in Northern communities.
General Unachukwu, who is also the Commander, Sector 1 of OPHK, spoke to journalists in an interaction with newsmen at the Headquarters of the Division in Maiduguri, insisting that the sustained military operations in the North-East had succeeded in the restoration of relative stability, enabled large-scale resettlement of displaced persons, and revived agricultural activities across several communities.
He said that figures provided by the United Nations indicated positive progress for Nigeria, particularly in the restoration of livelihoods and the return of displaced populations to their ancestral homes.
“On the Bama axis and adjoining corridors, we have recorded tremendous progress.
“From Darajamal, where we repatriated more than 3,000 Nigerians from Cameroon, to Kirawa, which we reoccupied after it was previously displaced.
“We quickly deployed the 143 Task Force Battalion, with support from the Theatre Command, and embarked on operations to ensure the safe return of residents,” he said.
He added that communities such as Abaram, Goniri and other towns had been rebuilt, reestablished and reoccupied, while areas between Bama and Banki Junction, as well as Dalwa, had witnessed similar progress.
According to him, the Borno Government has expanded resettlement efforts to Maiwa, Kawashe and Mafa axis, driven by the improved security outlook.
“Thousands of people are returning daily, and livelihoods are being restored. The division’s efforts have contributed significantly to reclaiming, rebuilding and resettling these communities.
“The repatriation of citizens was supervised by the United Nations and the Borno State Government. On the Banki axis, we have made tremendous progress up to Kumshe, where the government is constructing shelters for returnees.
“Anytime I reflect on these developments, I give thanks to God because it is a product of the sacrifices and commitment of our troops who have worked tirelessly to stabilise these areas,” he added.
The GOC, however, said that the stability achieved remained “relative,” saying counter-insurgency operations do not allow for absolute declarations of success due to the nature of asymmetric warfare.
“In this type of operation, you do not speak in absolute terms. The enemy is not far away; he lives within the same communities and observes our movements.
“So, while there may be occasional incidents, what is important is the overall trajectory. Have we built systemic resilience to absorb shocks? Yes. Have we moved forward from where we were? Certainly,” he said.
He added that troops had consistently demonstrated the ability to respond swiftly to security breaches and restore order, citing recent operations in areas such as Gwoza.
“Wherever there are temporary setbacks, we respond immediately. In one instance, I personally led troops to reassert control, and today, those areas are dominated by our forces, with reconstruction efforts ongoing,” he said.
Unachukwu also highlighted the role of propaganda by insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, noting that misinformation was often used to misrepresent government actions and undermine public confidence.
He urged citizens not to allow grievances to be exploited by enemies of the state.
“It is not in the interest of any society to express dissatisfaction by aligning with those who seek to destroy the state. Some of the narratives being circulated are deliberately distorted to create disaffection,” he said.
On civil-military relations, the GOC emphasised that community cooperation remained critical but acknowledged the challenges posed by informant networks within local populations.
“This is a complex, hydra-headed problem. While we encourage communities to provide information and cooperate, we also understand the risks they face.
“There is no community that has collectively refused to support the military. What we see are isolated deviant elements who undermine collective efforts,” he said.
Unachukwu said the military would continue to build trust with local communities to isolate such elements and enhance intelligence gathering.
He further disclosed that one of the major achievements of the Division was the protection of farmers, which has significantly boosted food production and economic recovery in the region.
“Our troops provide daily escort to farmers—taking them to their farms, securing them while they work, and bringing them back safely.
“This has improved agricultural output and contributed to food security, not just in the North-East but across the country,” he said.
The GOC said that technological advancements had also enhanced operational effectiveness, including the deployment of surveillance cameras and counter-drone systems.
“We have installed surveillance systems across key locations, enabling troops to detect threats both day and night. Additionally, we have deployed drone jammers to counter emerging threats from adversaries using unmanned aerial systems,” he said.
He commended the support of the Borno Government, particularly Gov. Babagana Zulum, for complementing military efforts through resettlement and development initiatives.
“The collaboration with the state government has been instrumental. By improving livelihoods and encouraging farming, we are addressing the root causes of insecurity.
“When people are productively engaged, vulnerability reduces, and stability improves,” he said.
Unachukwu recalled that the region was historically a major agricultural hub and expressed optimism that ongoing efforts would restore its status.
“This land has always had the capacity to feed not only itself but other parts of Nigeria. Our goal is to return to that level of productivity,” he said.
He also highlighted non-kinetic operations carried out by the Division, including medical outreaches, educational support programmes and community engagement initiatives.
According to him, such interventions have strengthened relations between the military and civilians while contributing to overall stability.
“Through the support of higher headquarters and collaboration with local authorities, we have maintained a conducive operational environment.
“Overall, it has been a productive and cooperative engagement with both the communities and government stakeholders,” he said.
The GOC reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to sustaining gains made in the fight against insurgency and ensuring lasting peace in the region.
“We will continue to consolidate on these achievements and work towards complete restoration of normalcy across the theatre,” he said