Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for what he described as significant operational gains in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft, attributing the progress to improved coordination among the country’s security services.

Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State on the platform of the Labour Party, made the remarks while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday.

He said the Armed Forces, under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, had strengthened collaboration among the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies, resulting in more coordinated operations against criminal groups across the country.

According to the lawmaker, the renewed inter-service cooperation has contributed to the neutralisation of suspected terrorists and other criminal elements, the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of territories previously threatened by armed groups.

“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,” he said.

Citing operational figures released by the military, Agbese said security forces neutralised 129 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements in June, arrested 486 suspects, rescued 542 kidnapped victims, recovered 130 firearms and 5,538 rounds of ammunition, dismantled seven illegal refining sites and recovered more than 308,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products.

He described the rescue of civilians held captive by insurgents in the North-East as a major humanitarian achievement, saying it reflected the commitment and professionalism of military personnel.

“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 said.

Agbese also referred to the military’s second-quarter operational report, which, according to him, recorded the neutralisation of 662 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements, the arrest of 1,084 suspects, the rescue of 951 kidnapped victims, the recovery of 328 firearms and more than 12,500 rounds of ammunition, as well as the dismantling of 12 illegal refining sites and the recovery of over 464,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products.

He said the figures indicated sustained pressure on criminal networks and demonstrated that security agencies were maintaining operational momentum.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to support ongoing security operations by providing credible intelligence and cooperating with security agencies.

“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.

Agbese added that the National Assembly would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through improved funding, intelligence gathering, modern military equipment and enhanced welfare for personnel.