Peace Advocacy Group Applauds CDS Oluyede's Military Successes Against Criminality

A northern-based advocacy body, the Northern Alliance for Peace and Security (NAPS), has extended commendation to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the entire Nigerian Armed Forces. The group lauded their sustained achievements in ongoing military operations targeting banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping across various parts of the nation. NAPS highlighted the recent liberation of hundreds of abducted individuals and the neutralization of numerous armed criminals as clear indicators of the military's intensified offensive against violent non-state actors operating within Nigeria's different geopolitical zones.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, Danladi Abutu, the National President of the group, emphasized that these recent gains underscore the Armed Forces' unwavering commitment, under the leadership of the CDS, to enhancing national security and rebuilding public trust. Abutu's comments coincide with heightened military activities aimed at combating terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions, where persistent insecurity has led to significant loss of life, widespread displacement, and disruption of economic activities. The menace of kidnapping for ransom has also become prevalent in other parts of the country in recent years, prompting urgent calls for more robust security measures.

Among the specific operations cited by the group was the successful rescue of 14 out of 15 worshippers who were abducted during a night vigil at a church in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, on April 28, 2026. These victims regained their freedom on Saturday, after enduring more than 67 days in captivity, and were subsequently transferred to the State Teaching Hospital for necessary medical attention. NAPS also referenced the rescue of 416 residents from the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. These individuals had been held captive by suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists before being freed by troops of Operation Hadin Kai. Similarly, the group acknowledged the rescue of 11 women who were kidnapped while fishing in the Dille community of Askira Uba Local Government Area in Borno State, describing this operation as further evidence of the military's dedication to safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Abutu conveyed that these recent military triumphs should reassure Nigerians of the security forces' steadfast resolve to defeat criminal elements nationwide. He stated, “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 further stressed the gravity of the security situation, remarking, “The security situation is of huge concern to every well-meaning Nigerians. We must join hands with the Federal Government to ensure that the war against banditry is successfully prosecuted.”

Abutu concluded his thoughts on the military's efforts by stating, “What the Federal Government has done through the gallant troops is a message to the terrorists that they can never win this war. They will lose because every Nigerian deserves to live and work in peace everywhere he or she chooses to live in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.”

The NAPS President also appealed to Nigerians to actively support ongoing security operations by providing credible intelligence to security agencies, arguing that community cooperation is indispensable for dismantling criminal networks. He specifically condemned attacks on educational institutions and the abduction of students, characterizing such actions as a direct assault on the nation's future. “Why do you think they are attacking schools and abducting our children? 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,” Abutu added.

Nigeria continues to grapple with multifaceted security challenges, including the insurgency in the North-East, widespread banditry in the North-West and North-Central zones, and an increasing wave of kidnapping incidents across several states. In response, the Armed Forces have maintained coordinated land and air operations targeting known terrorist enclaves, simultaneously conducting rescue missions for abducted victims and executing clearing operations aimed at restoring peace and normalcy to affected communities. While recent military offensives have resulted in the rescue of abductees, the recovery of weapons, and the dismantling of several criminal hideouts, security experts consistently emphasize that sustained intelligence gathering and enhanced community collaboration remain crucial for solidifying these gains.