A coalition of 200 Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for what it described as sustained successes against terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country.
The coalition, under the aegis of the Civil Society Organisations on Peace and Security, gave the commendation in its quarterly independent report released on Tuesday in Abuja.
The report, signed by the coalition’s Convener, Patriot Tobias Ogbe, also praised the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for strengthening joint military operations and intelligence-driven strategies.
According to the coalition, the successes recorded by the Armed Forces are the result of the dedication and sacrifices of troops deployed across various theatres of operation.
It said that since Oluyede assumed office in October 2025, the Defence Headquarters had enhanced coordination among the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies, leading to significant operational gains.
The coalition said the improved collaboration had disrupted terrorist networks, dismantled bandit enclaves in the North-West and reduced the capacity of criminal groups to hold territories.
It also said military operations in the North-East had restored stability in several communities, enabling displaced persons to return home and economic activities to resume.
According to the report, intensified operations in the South-South have also curtailed crude oil theft and maritime crimes, contributing to economic stability.
“We strongly commend the Nigerian Armed Forces and General Olufemi Oluyede for their strategic leadership in joint coordination.
“The impressive successes recorded are a direct product of the sacrifices by our gallant troops who continue to put their lives on the line for national security,” Ogbe said.
He said the coalition’s report adopted a balanced approach by acknowledging progress while recognising that security challenges remained.
According to him, renewed emphasis on intelligence integration and operational effectiveness has improved the country’s security landscape.
The coalition observed that although threats posed by Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, kidnappers and communal conflicts persisted, the military had adapted its operations to counter evolving tactics employed by criminal groups.
It said sustained air and ground operations had restricted the operational freedom of insurgents, particularly in difficult terrains.
The report, however, identified porous borders, diverse terrain and resource constraints as major challenges confronting security operations.
It noted that ongoing military modernisation efforts, including the deployment of drones, cyber capabilities and enhanced surveillance systems, had strengthened operational effectiveness.
The coalition also cited improvements in disrupting criminal supply chains, reducing incidents of mass kidnappings in some areas and restoring public confidence in affected communities.
“Under General Oluyede’s leadership, bandits have been sacked from many territories and forced into bushes and forests.
“The military has dismantled their confidence in operating from fixed settlements,” Ogbe said.
He called for increased investment in intelligence gathering, border security and personnel welfare to consolidate the gains recorded by the Armed Forces.
