The United Against Terror Movement (UATM) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for what it described as growing professionalism in the fight against terrorism, while urging Nigerians to strengthen collaboration with security agencies through credible intelligence sharing.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, the Convener of the movement, Okai Austin, said recent operations by the DSS had strengthened public confidence by prioritising lawful arrests, criminal prosecution and court convictions over extrajudicial measures.

According to him, the agency’s approach reflects a growing commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law.

Austin also praised the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante groups for their sacrifices in combating insecurity across the country, particularly highlighting recent rescue operations and improved collaboration between the military and community-based security outfits.

He described the partnership between the Armed Forces and local vigilante groups as a positive development capable of improving intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness against terrorist groups.

“The DSS has demonstrated noticeable institutional reforms by focusing on arresting suspects, handing them over for prosecution and allowing competent courts to determine their guilt or innocence,” he said.

Austin pointed to the reported release and compensation of a farmer who was allegedly wrongfully arrested by the DSS in Kaduna as evidence of the agency’s increasing commitment to accountability and respect for citizens’ rights.

He urged the military and police to adopt similar operational standards in order to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and further enhance public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.

While acknowledging the progress recorded by security agencies, Austin warned that terrorism and violent extremism continue to pose significant threats to national security, stressing the need for sustained intelligence-driven operations to dismantle terrorist networks across the country.

He also appealed to Nigerians not to allow terrorists exploit ethnic or religious differences to divide the country.

“Every attack on any Nigerian should be seen as an attack on the entire nation,” he said.

Austin called on citizens both within Nigeria and in the diaspora to support the #UnitedAgainstTerror campaign by reporting credible intelligence directly to security agencies rather than remaining silent.

According to him, terrorists depend heavily on secrecy, making public cooperation an essential component of national security efforts.

Also speaking, a member of the movement, Okpanachi Jacob, cautioned Nigerians against publishing sensitive security information on social media, warning that such disclosures could compromise ongoing operations and undermine the country’s response to emerging security threats.

Instead, he advised citizens to channel security-related information directly to the appropriate authorities to enable timely investigation and intervention.

Jacob further urged the Federal Government to strengthen oversight of funds allocated to state and local governments, arguing that prudent management of public resources would help tackle poverty, unemployment and other socio-economic conditions that often contribute to insecurity.