Group commends Defence Chief over sustained military gains against banditry, terrorism

A northern-based peace advocacy group, the Northern Alliance for Peace and Security, has commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and the Nigerian Armed Forces for what it described as sustained successes in military operations against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the group’s National President, Danladi Abutu, who said recent military operations have resulted in the rescue of hundreds of abductees and the neutralisation of several armed criminals.

Group praises military operations

Mr Abutu said the recent security gains reflect the Armed Forces’ renewed commitment to tackling violent criminal groups and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture.

“These gains mirror the commitment of the CDS and his men to make Nigeria safe for all. What we have witnessed in the past few weeks is an indication of the battle readiness of our gallant troops to make life difficult for these terrorist elements,” he said.

He added that the ongoing military offensives demonstrate the Federal Government’s resolve to defeat terrorism and banditry across the country.

Recent rescue operations

The group highlighted several recent military operations, including the rescue of 14 out of the 15 worshippers abducted during a church night vigil in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

The victims regained their freedom after spending more than 67 days in captivity and were taken to the State Teaching Hospital for medical treatment.

Mr Abutu also referenced the rescue of 416 residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, who had been abducted by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists before being freed by troops of Operation Hadin Kai.

In another operation, troops rescued 11 women abducted while fishing in Dille community, Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

Call for public cooperation

Mr Abutu urged Nigerians to support ongoing security operations by providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that community collaboration remains essential in combating insecurity.

“The security situation is of huge concern to every well-meaning Nigerian. We must join hands with the Federal Government to ensure that the war against banditry is successfully prosecuted,” he said.

He also condemned attacks on schools and the abduction of students, describing such incidents as attacks on Nigeria’s future.

“Education is the bedrock of every society desirous of growth and progress. We must not allow the enemies of our beloved country to continue their evil enterprise. We may not be armed, but volunteering information to security agencies is a sign of patriotism,” Mr Abutu added.

Nigeria continues to grapple with insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West and North-Central, as well as rising cases of kidnapping across several states.

In response, the Nigerian Armed Forces have intensified coordinated land and air operations targeting terrorist hideouts, rescuing abductees, recovering weapons and dismantling criminal camps in a bid to restore security in affected communities.