Reps deputy spokesman hails military gains under Oluyede

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, on Monday commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for what he described as significant operational successes under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, saying joint military operations had recorded more progress in the past year than in recent times.

Agbese, a Labour Party lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja.

Nigeria has continued to grapple with multiple security challenges, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West and North-Central, oil theft in the Niger Delta and other violent crimes. In recent months, the military has intensified joint operations across various theatres as part of efforts to curb insecurity.

According to him, the military high command deserves commendation for strengthening inter-service cooperation and intensifying the campaign against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.

Agbese said the renewed synergy among the Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies had produced measurable results, leading to the neutralisation of criminal elements, the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of territories previously threatened by armed groups.

He said, “Those who genuinely follow developments in our security sector will agree that the Armed Forces have become more coordinated and more decisive in confronting criminal elements. Under the leadership of General Olufemi Oluyede, we are seeing a level of synergy among the services that is producing visible results.

“The military is not merely responding to attacks; it is taking the battle to terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and oil thieves across different parts of the federation.”

The federal lawmaker noted that the latest operational figures released by the military reflected the scale of ongoing offensives against criminal groups.

“In June alone, our troops neutralised 129 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 486 suspects, rescued 542 kidnapped victims, recovered 130 firearms and 5,538 rounds of ammunition. They also dismantled seven illegal refining sites and recovered over 308,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

“These are not ordinary statistics. Behind every figure is a community made safer, families reunited with loved ones, dangerous weapons taken off our streets and criminal organisations denied the resources they depend on,” he said.

Agbese particularly applauded the rescue of hundreds of civilians held captive by insurgents in the North-East, describing the operation as a major humanitarian achievement deserving national recognition.

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“The rescue of hundreds of innocent Nigerians, many of them women and children who had spent months in captivity, speaks volumes about the commitment and professionalism of our troops.

“These brave men and women continue to risk their lives every day so that ordinary Nigerians can live in peace, and as a nation we owe them our gratitude and unwavering support,” he stated.

The lawmaker added that the military’s performance in the second quarter of the year further demonstrated that the gains being recorded were sustained.

“The second-quarter operational report is equally impressive. Within three months, the Armed Forces neutralised 662 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 1,084 suspects, rescued 951 kidnapped victims, recovered 328 firearms and over 12,500 rounds of ammunition, while dismantling 12 illegal refining sites and recovering more than 464,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

“These achievements reflect sustained pressure on criminal networks and show that our security forces are steadily reclaiming the initiative,” he noted.

Agbese urged Nigerians to support the military with credible intelligence and public cooperation, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.

“Our armed forces cannot fight this battle alone. Citizens must continue to provide timely information, reject collaboration with criminal groups and stand firmly behind our security personnel.

“The progress we are witnessing today should encourage all Nigerians to believe that with sustained support, strong leadership and continued operational momentum, lasting peace is achievable,” he said.

He expressed confidence that sustained funding, improved intelligence gathering, acquisition of modern military equipment and better welfare for personnel would further strengthen the Armed Forces’ capacity to restore lasting peace and stability across the country.

Agbese added that the National Assembly would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and enhancing the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces.