A civic group has commended Nigeria's military for a series of recent operations that resulted in the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrests of suspected criminals, and disruption of insurgent activities across various parts of the country, describing the developments as evidence of enhanced coordination among security forces.
The Citizens Alliance for Security and National Cohesion (CASNC) issued a statement on Thursday, April 23, through its national president, Dr. Ibrahim Danjuma, highlighting the military's progress in battling kidnapping, insurgency, and communal violence.
Rescue operations in Benue
CASNC specifically noted the rescue of 13 passengers abducted along the Makurdi-Otukpo road in Benue state. According to the group, the victims were freed from a forest after troops launched a coordinated search effort. The group stated, "This intervention underscores the military’s improved capacity to track and recover victims within a short window, even in difficult terrain."
Arrests in Plateau after deadly attacks
In Plateau state, troops arrested suspects linked to recent attacks and recovered weapons, including a submachine gun, pistol, and locally made arms. Some suspects were intercepted while traveling and were believed connected to earlier violent incidents. CASNC said troops also responded to distress calls, evacuated injured residents, and helped prevent further violence.
Military pushes back insurgents in northeast
In the northeast, troops repelled attempted attacks by insurgents in parts of Borno state, particularly around the Kirawa-Pulka corridor and Benisheikh area. The group also highlighted the discovery and safe disposal of an improvised explosive device along a major road in Borno. In Yobe state, troops arrested suspected logistics suppliers allegedly working with insurgent groups, targeting supply chains to weaken armed groups.
Fresh operations in Sokoto, Kogi, Edo and southeast
In Sokoto state, troops repelled an attack in Sabon Birni Local Government Area after engaging dozens of armed men. In Kogi state, security operatives destroyed a suspected criminal hideout and intercepted a logistics courier. In Edo state, troops foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued victims. Joint security teams in the southeast discovered and safely disposed of explosive devices during patrols.
Praise for defence chief
CASNC commended Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for improved coordination among military formations. The group said, "The level of coordination being witnessed points to deliberate leadership efforts to integrate intelligence, logistics and rapid response mechanisms in ongoing operations."
Nigeria continues to face widespread insecurity, including insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, kidnappings in the north-central region, and separatist-linked violence in the southeast. CASNC acknowledged the recent operations but stressed the need for sustained public support, better welfare packages, and stronger intelligence-sharing from communities to maintain momentum. Dr. Danjuma stated, "Our troops are not only confronting threats but are also recording tangible successes that must be recognised."
