A civil society group, the Coalition for National Security and Democratic Stability (CNSDS), has commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, following the reported neutralisation of 317 terrorists and criminal elements within one month.
The group said the latest operational figures released by the Defence Headquarters showed renewed momentum in the military’s campaign against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and organised crime.
Naijaonpoint reports that speaking at a press conference, the coalition’s President, Samuel Agada, said troops across various theatres also arrested 314 suspects and rescued 221 kidnapped civilians during operations in May 2026.
The military also reportedly recovered weapons, dismantled illegal arms factories and destroyed oil theft facilities across different parts of the country.
Agada said the results reflected improved coordination among the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions.
“These figures are not just statistics. They represent communities protected, lives saved and criminal networks disrupted through the courage and professionalism of Nigerian troops,” he said.
“We commend the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for providing strategic leadership at a critical time when the country faces complex security threats across multiple fronts.”
The coalition said operations in the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East showed stronger intelligence gathering and better inter-agency cooperation.
Agada particularly praised troops involved in counter-terrorism operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in the North-East, describing the rescue of abducted women and children as a major humanitarian achievement.
The group also commended the dismantling of illegal arms manufacturing facilities and interception of logistics supplies allegedly used by criminal groups.
“The destruction of illegal arms factories and the disruption of supply chains show that the military is not only confronting attacks but also targeting the infrastructure sustaining insecurity,” Agada stated.
The group further praised military operations against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, saying the destruction of illegal refining sites and seizure of stolen petroleum products would help protect national revenue.
Agada expressed condolences to families of soldiers who died during operations and urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence.
“The success of these operations also reminds us that national security is a collective responsibility,” he said.
“Citizens must continue to cooperate with security agencies by sharing timely and credible information.”
