Group lauds Oluyede as military neutralises 317 terrorists, rescues 221 victims in one month

A civil society group, the Coalition for National Security and Democratic Stability (CNSDS), has commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, over the growing operational efficiency of the Nigerian Armed Forces following the neutralisation of 317 terrorists and criminal elements across the country within one month.

The group said the latest operational figures released by the Defence Headquarters reflect a renewed momentum in the military’s campaign against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and organised criminal networks.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Samuel Agada, president of the coalition, said the achievements recorded in May 2026 demonstrate the impact of improved coordination among the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions under Oluyede’s leadership.

The Defence Headquarters had disclosed that troops operating across various theatres neutralised 317 terrorists and criminal elements, arrested 314 suspects and rescued 221 kidnapped civilians during coordinated operations carried out nationwide in May.

The military also recovered dozens of weapons, dismantled illegal arms factories and destroyed oil theft facilities in different parts of the country.

Reacting to the development, Agada said the results show that the Armed Forces are steadily regaining operational dominance in several troubled regions.

“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.”

According to the coalition, the operations carried out under different military formations in the north-east, north-west, north-central, south-south and south-east indicate a stronger level of intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.

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”.

He also noted that the dismantling of illegal arms manufacturing facilities and the interception of logistics supplies used by criminal groups were significant breakthroughs in weakening the operational capacity of terrorists and kidnappers.

“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,” he said.

The coalition further applauded military operations against crude oil theft syndicates in the Niger Delta, saying the destruction of illegal refining sites and the seizure of stolen petroleum products would help protect national economic interests.

Agada said the Armed Forces deserve public support and recognition for sustaining simultaneous operations across several regions despite difficult conditions and the sacrifices made by personnel on the frontlines.

He expressed condolences to families of soldiers who lost their lives during operations and urged Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.

“The success of these operations also reminds us that national security is a collective responsibility. Citizens must continue to cooperate with security agencies by sharing timely and credible information,” he said.

The coalition added that while insecurity remains a major challenge, the recent operational gains show that sustained military pressure and intelligence-led operations can significantly weaken criminal networks threatening peace and stability in the country.