The Presidency has rejected growing criticism of Nigeria’s security situation and insisted that the armed forces are making steady progress against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups across the country.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said recent military operations in different regions show that troops are degrading criminal networks and rescuing victims despite ongoing challenges. He argued that isolated attacks often dominate public debate and tend to overshadow consistent successes recorded on the ground.
Onanuga said operational reports indicate intensified offensives against insurgents, kidnappers, militias and other non state actors, leading to multiple rescues, arrests and neutralisation of threats. He added that the sacrifices of personnel, including those who have paid the supreme price, are frequently downplayed in public conversations.
He cited recent operations in Benue State, where troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued 13 passengers abducted along the Makurdi Otukpo road after a coordinated search in a forest in Ohimini Local Government Area. The victims, including candidates preparing for the UTME, received medical treatment, and authorities clarified that the attackers were local criminal elements, not external militias as earlier speculated.
In Plateau State, troops under Operation Enduring Peace carried out a series of raids that led to the arrest of nine suspected ethnic militiamen in Riyom Local Government Area and the recovery of arms and ammunition. Suspects were also picked up in Jos North, including one person linked to the stabbing of a police officer, while security forces worked to restore calm in communities hit by recurring clashes.
The Presidency noted that troops also foiled planned attacks, repelled armed groups and recovered rustled cattle in several locations, with some engagements resulting in casualties among the attackers. In the North East, soldiers of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised terrorists along the Kirawa Pulka axis in Borno State and repelled fresh attacks in Benisheikh after intense firefights.
Explosive ordnance teams were said to have detected and safely detonated improvised explosive devices planted along key routes, preventing possible mass casualties. In Yobe State, security forces disrupted insurgent logistics by arresting suspected ISWAP and Boko Haram collaborators in Damaturu.
In Sokoto State, troops of 8 Division reportedly repelled an attack on Garin Hillo village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, forcing gunmen to flee after a shootout and ensuring that injured civilians received medical attention. In Kogi State, Operation MESA forces destroyed a suspected terrorist camp in Yagba West and intercepted supplies meant for criminal groups.
Operations also continued in the South. In Imo State, joint security teams discovered and defused improvised explosive devices in Orsu Local Government Area as part of efforts to curb separatist related violence. In Edo State, security operatives foiled a kidnap attempt in Auchi, rescued victims and arrested suspects, recovering weapons at the scene.
On the international front, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa took part in counterterrorism discussions at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, reflecting Nigeria’s push for stronger global cooperation against violent extremism.
Onanuga said the pattern of violence in some hot spots, especially in Plateau State, reflects the activities of local actors who exploit communal tensions, rather than the simple narratives often pushed in public commentary. He stressed that the armed forces are confronting complex and evolving threats with determination and that their efforts are often underreported or misrepresented.
He described the current conflict as an asymmetric war that demands patience and sustained support. According to him, troops are fearlessly defending the country and deserve greater appreciation for their sacrifices.
The Presidency urged Nigerians to support and cooperate with the military and other security agencies. Onanuga said strong public confidence and collaboration are essential to consolidate recent gains and achieve lasting peace across the country.
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