Non-kinetic approach Has Helped in our counterinsurgency operations — Maj Gen Shuaibu
By Ewache Ajefu
(Maiduguri)- The Theatre Commander Joint Task Force (JTF) North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Waidi Shaibu, has said the non-kinetic approach has become a veritable tool in enhancing counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast.
He disclosed this when he received Defence Correspondents who were on a guided tour led by the Deputy Director of the Defence Media Operations Brig General Dahiru Abu- Mawashi at the Headquarters of the Theatre Command in Maiduguri.
Major General Shaibu posited that the kinetic approach alone was not enough to tackle insurgency, but rather compelled insurgents to surrender.
He said the Theatre Command was highly involved in non-kinetic activities, such as the construction and renovation of schools, drilling of boreholes, medical outreaches, as well as school and Qur’anic recitation competitions, which have yielded results and led to the surrender of many insurgents.
He noted that these feats were achieved in synergy with other components of the Nigerian Navy, Air Force and other security agencies in the Northeast.
The Theatre Commander lauded the Borno State Government’s efforts, supported by the federal government in non-kinetic activities, through organisations such as the North East Development Commission, adding that the guided tour by the Defence Correspondents was a testimony that the military was a major stakeholder in the restoration of peace in the North East, which he said was the mandate of Operation Hadin Kai.
Speaking on the insurgents, General Shuaibu said many of them have been brain-washed and thoroughly indoctrinated to the point where their actions defy any reason, stressing that to reverse the trend, the Theatre has implemented a range of strategic kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to de-radicalize them.
He noted that when they (insurgents) regain clarity and reflect on their past actions, they express profound regret, adding that many even take up the role of peace ambassadors, advocating for reconciliation and inspiring others to abandon the path of violence.
“We actively promote education at all levels as a critical tool for combating ignorance and fostering enlightenment. Our efforts include organizing trips beyond their immediate environment—sometimes even beyond the country’s borders—to broaden their worldview”.
According to him, “Many of these individuals are deeply naive and unexposed, having never experienced life outside Borno State. By exposing them to diverse perspectives and opportunities, we aim to dismantle the narrow mindset that fuels extremism” .
