Military Operations, Counter-Terrorism Yielding Results” — Oluyede

The Peace Advocates Network (PAN) has commended Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for sustaining operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups across the country.

In a statement signed by the group’s representative, Dr Charles Kazayet, PAN said recent operational figures indicated that troops had recorded gains across several theatres of operation.

According to the group, the progress was particularly notable in the North-East, where troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai continued offensives against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters and their logistics networks.

PAN said troops in the region neutralised 484 terrorists, arrested 370 suspects and rescued 595 kidnapped victims during the second quarter of 2026.

The group also said 38 insurgents and their family members surrendered during the period, while more than 360 civilians, mostly women and children, were rescued from the Mandara Mountains in Borno State in June.

In the North-West, PAN said Operation Fansan Yamma had maintained offensive operations against bandits and kidnappers across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states.

The group added that military operations in the North-Central continued to target criminal groups and protect vulnerable communities and major routes, while troops in the South-East focused on kidnappers, armed criminal groups and secessionist elements.

In the South-South, PAN said troops continued operations against oil theft, illegal refining and other activities affecting the national economy.

Citing Defence Headquarters figures, the group said troops dismantled 18 illegal refining sites and recovered more than 250,500 litres of stolen petroleum products in the South-South in July. It also said Operation Udo Ka in the South-East arrested 26 suspects, rescued 10 civilians and recovered weapons and other logistics during the same period.

Kazayet said the reported operational gains should encourage Nigerians to view national security as a collective responsibility rather than an issue to be left entirely to the military.

“The Peace Advocates Network recognises the sacrifices being made by officers and soldiers across the different theatres of operation,” the statement said.

The group urged Nigerians to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, while calling for stronger inter-agency cooperation, improved intelligence gathering and better equipment for security personnel.

PAN also commended Oluyede and commanders across the various theatres for their leadership and commitment, urging the military to sustain coordinated operations against criminal elements.

The group further appealed to politicians and citizens to avoid actions or statements that could undermine security operations or discourage public cooperation with the Armed Forces.

It stressed that Nigerians have a role to play by supporting security personnel, providing useful information and refusing to offer shelter or legitimacy to criminal groups.