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A civil society organisation, Good Governance Advocates Without Borders, has announced plans to stage nationwide “Thank You Asiwaju on Security” rallies, saying the initiative is aimed at recognising what it described as security gains recorded under the administration of President Bola Tinubu and encouraging continued public support for ongoing security operations.
The group said the non-partisan rallies, scheduled to hold in Abuja, Lagos and other major cities, would bring together participants from different walks of life to express appreciation for the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in addressing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft.
Convener of the organisation, Charles Onoja, disclosed the plan in a statement issued on Sunday, maintaining that the rallies were not politically motivated but intended to honour the sacrifices of personnel of the Armed Forces and other security agencies while promoting national support for policies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
“The decision to organise these rallies is informed by the remarkable improvements we have witnessed in the nation’s security environment. Under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, our armed forces have recorded major operational successes, including the neutralisation of notorious terrorist commanders and the rescue of several kidnapped victims, particularly in the North-East,” the statement read in part.
Nigeria has continued to face multiple security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and mass abductions in parts of the North-West and North-Central, separatist-related violence in the South-East, as well as crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. In response, the Federal Government has intensified military offensives and intelligence-led operations, while security agencies have consistently reported the rescue of kidnapped victims, the destruction of criminal hideouts, the recovery of arms and ammunition, and the dismantling of illegal refining camps. Although insecurity persists in some parts of the country, the government maintains that ongoing operations are producing measurable results.
According to Onoja, the security gains being reported are attributable to improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration and increased investment in modern military equipment.
“Security is beyond politics. Every Nigerian benefits when communities are safer and businesses can thrive without fear. Our rallies are intended to appreciate the commitment of our security forces and to encourage continued support for policies that strengthen national security,” he said.
Onoja added that communities that have witnessed improved security following military operations would share their experiences during the rallies, highlighting the impact of restored peace on local economies and daily life.
He further cited recent operations by security agencies, including the dismantling of illegal crude oil refining camps in the Niger Delta, the disruption of kidnapping syndicates in parts of the North-West and the rescue of abducted victims across the country, which the group claimed reflected the government’s adoption of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to tackling insecurity.
“Our troops have demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism. The protection of critical national infrastructure, large-scale arrests of oil thieves and the rescue of abducted citizens have contributed to improving public confidence and creating a more stable environment for economic activities,” he said.
Onoja also paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for what he described as their dedication to protecting the country.
“We stand in solidarity with the brave men and women in uniform whose unwavering commitment continues to safeguard our nation. Their resilience and dedication have brought renewed hope to millions of Nigerians,” he stated.
The group said the planned rallies would also provide a platform for citizens to express support for ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security institutions, arguing that sustained peace remains essential to economic growth, investment and national development.
While acknowledging that security challenges remain in several parts of the country, the Federal Government has consistently maintained that sustained military offensives, intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with local communities are gradually improving the nation’s security environment. The planned rallies come amid continuing public debate over the effectiveness of these measures and the broader challenge of restoring lasting peace across the federation.
