The Arewa Youth Assembly has declared that terrorist and criminal groups no longer hold any territory in Nigeria, asserting that the country is steadily regaining stability due to intensified military operations across multiple conflict zones. The group passed a vote of confidence in the nation's service chiefs and defense leadership, commending them for what it described as visible and coordinated gains in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and other security threats.
Press Conference in Abuja
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the group's Publicity Secretary, Aliyu Muhammad Sanni, stated that recent developments in the security landscape reflect a clear reversal of fortunes for non-state actors who once held territorial and psychological advantages in several parts of the country. According to the group, improved coordination among the Armed Forces, driven by the Defence Headquarters and service chiefs, has significantly degraded the operational capacity of terrorist organizations, particularly through sustained intelligence-led offensives and joint military campaigns.
Impact on Affected Regions
The assembly noted that areas previously affected by Boko Haram and ISWAP activities in the North-East, as well as banditry hotspots in the North-West, have witnessed increased military presence, improved mobility for residents, and a gradual return of socio-economic activities.
Sanni said: “The Assembly notes with grim satisfaction the systematic decapitation of the terror hierarchy across all operational theatres, a feat that has directly enabled the return of relative peace. Among the high-value targets neutralized are key ISWAP commanders like Abubakar Sarki, Abu Umaymah, and Mallam Ali Kwaya in the Lake Chad Tumbuns, alongside notorious Boko Haram commander Tahir Baga in the Sambisa Forest.
“This pattern of precision was replicated in the North West, where the once-feared Bello Turji has seen his network shattered, and figures like Halilu Sububu, Dogo Gide, and Ali Kachalla were conclusively eliminated, breaking the spine of banditry.
“The kinetic pressure continued in the North Central theatre with the neutralization of notorious bandit leaders Alhaji Auta and Kachalla Rugga, as operations in the South East took out key ESN commanders like Ikonso Commander and their logistics kingpin, ‘Pounds,’ who were responsible for attacks on state institutions.
“In the South South, the destruction of illegal refinery networks and militant camps that funded insurgency through economic sabotage has directly boosted global oil production.”
Enhanced Synergy and Leadership
Sanni noted the counter-insurgency operations across the North-Central, South-East, South-South, and South-West regions, attributing recent gains to enhanced synergy between ground troops, air support, and intelligence units. He commended the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Wahidi Shaibu; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, saying their joint efforts have strengthened command cohesion and improved operational outcomes.
The group particularly commended what it called the “transformation of the Nigerian Army’s operational culture” under the current leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, citing improved troop welfare, morale, and logistics support as key factors behind recent successes in the field.
Intelligence-Driven Warfare
According to the Assembly, the Armed Forces have also benefited from a shift toward intelligence-driven warfare, precision strikes, and improved inter-agency coordination, which it said has reduced civilian exposure and increased operational effectiveness. It lauded ongoing reforms in defense production and logistics support, including efforts to strengthen local capacity through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), describing it as a strategic step toward reducing dependence on foreign procurement.
Strategic Momentum
The group acknowledged that insecurity has not been completely eradicated but maintained that the “strategic momentum is firmly in favour of the Nigerian state,” adding that terrorist groups are increasingly fragmented and under sustained pressure. The Assembly urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, while cautioning against politicizing national security efforts or undermining troop morale.
