A coalition of 200 civil society organisations (CSOs) has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for what it described as sustained progress in combating terrorism, banditry, oil theft and other security threats across the country.
The coalition, operating under the umbrella of the Civil Society Organisations on Peace and Security, released its quarterly independent assessment, praising the Armed Forces for improved operational coordination and strategic leadership under the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Convener Patriot Tobias Ogbe said the successes recorded by the military were made possible through the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of personnel serving in difficult operational environments.
According to the report, since General Oluyede assumed office in October 2025, the Defence Headquarters has strengthened collaboration among the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies, resulting in improved intelligence sharing and coordinated military operations.
The coalition noted that these efforts have disrupted terrorist networks, dismantled bandit enclaves in the North-West and reduced the ability of criminal groups to maintain territorial control.
It also stated that military operations in the North-East have restored relative stability to several communities, enabling displaced residents to return home while supporting the gradual revival of farming, commerce and other economic activities.
In the South-South, the report credited the Armed Forces with intensifying efforts against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and maritime crimes, contributing to improved 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.
The coalition observed that although Nigeria continues to face threats from Boko Haram, ISWAP, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence, the military has adapted its operational strategies to confront increasingly decentralised and mobile criminal groups.
According to the report, enhanced air-ground coordination, intelligence-driven operations and the deployment of modern surveillance technologies have significantly improved operational effectiveness.
The CSOs acknowledged that challenges such as porous borders, difficult terrain and resource limitations remain, but noted that ongoing investments in drones, cyber capabilities and intelligence gathering have strengthened the Armed Forces’ ability to respond to evolving threats.
The report further highlighted positive humanitarian and economic outcomes arising from military operations, including the reopening of transportation routes, reduced incidents of mass kidnappings in some areas, increased agricultural activities and declining cases of pipeline vandalism.
The coalition, however, called for increased investment in intelligence, border security, personnel welfare and military equipment to consolidate recent gains.
It also advocated stronger collaboration between security agencies, government institutions, communities and civil society organisations to ensure long-term peace and stability.
While acknowledging that military operations alone cannot permanently resolve Nigeria’s security challenges, the coalition concluded that the Armed Forces have established a solid foundation for improved national security through institutional reforms, professionalism and enhanced joint operations under General Oluyede’s leadership.
The group urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces while encouraging greater transparency, accountability and sustained investment in the country’s security architecture.
