A Middle Belt-based civic organization, the Middle Belt Conscience Guard (MBCG), has commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sustained and coordinated operations against insurgents and armed criminal groups across the country. In a statement released on Friday, May 16, signed by its president, Dr. Anthony Idoko, and secretary-general, Amos Adamu, the group highlighted that recent military offensives in the Northcentral and Northeast regions demonstrate improved coordination and renewed operational focus among security agencies.
Improved Coordination in Counter-Insurgency Efforts
The MBCG noted that ongoing operations reflect visible leadership and stronger tactical alignment in counter-insurgency and anti-banditry campaigns. According to the group, intensified military pressure, intelligence-led raids, and closer inter-agency cooperation have contributed to gradual security improvements in several affected communities across the Middle Belt. The group stated, "The recent momentum recorded by the armed forces shows that coordinated military pressure remains one of the most effective responses against insurgency, banditry, and other violent criminal activities threatening national stability."
Communities Report Gradual Return of Confidence
The organization added that some rural communities previously displaced by attacks are beginning to witness a slow return of residents as security operations expand into previously volatile areas. It emphasized that the armed forces deserve continued institutional backing rather than politicization of security efforts, stressing that Nigeria's security challenges require unity of purpose across all levels of government. The group urged the military not to relent in ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting arms supply routes, and reclaiming affected communities.
Call for Stronger Collaboration
The MBCG also called on state governments and local authorities to strengthen collaboration with security agencies through intelligence sharing and community-based support systems. The statement noted, "No security architecture can succeed without the trust and cooperation of local populations," adding that citizens must play active roles in supporting security efforts. The group further urged the federal government to maintain investment in military welfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, and logistics support to consolidate recent gains.
Federal Government Urged to Sustain Investment
While acknowledging that insecurity remains a major challenge, the MBCG said improved coordination within the armed forces is beginning to produce measurable results in several hotspots across the country. In a related development, the United States President Donald Trump announced that American and Nigerian military forces carried out a joint operation that reportedly killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of ISIS globally. Trump disclosed the development in a statement on social media, praising both countries' armed forces for what he described as a successful and highly coordinated mission.
