The Middle Belt Conscience Guard has commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the armed forces for sustaining coordinated military operations against insurgents and criminal groups across parts of the country.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the group’s president, Anthony Idoko, alongside secretary-general Amos Adamu, the organisation said recent military offensives across the North-Central and North-East regions reflect renewed commitment and improved tactical coordination among security agencies.

The group praised General Oluyede for what it described as “visible operational leadership and strategic coordination” in ongoing counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations.

According to the organisation, communities across parts of the Middle Belt have begun witnessing gradual improvements in security due to intensified offensives, intelligence-driven operations and stronger inter-agency collaboration.

“The recent momentum recorded by the armed forces shows that coordinated military pressure remains one of the most effective responses against insurgency, banditry, and other violent criminal activities threatening national stability,” the statement read.

“We commend the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, alongside military commanders and frontline troops for sustaining operational pressure on criminal elements across troubled regions.”

The group said the military leadership deserves support rather than politicisation of security efforts, noting that the scale of insecurity confronting Nigeria requires institutional cooperation and national unity.

It urged the armed forces not to relent in ongoing operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, disrupting arms supply networks and reclaiming communities affected by violent attacks.

According to the MBCG, recent offensives have helped restore confidence among residents in several rural communities previously abandoned due to repeated attacks by armed groups.

The organisation also appealed to state governments and local communities to strengthen cooperation with security agencies through intelligence sharing and community-based support structures.

“No security architecture can succeed without the trust and cooperation of local populations. Citizens must see themselves as active stakeholders in the national security process,” the group added.

The group further urged the Federal Government to continue investing in military welfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and operational logistics to sustain the gains already being recorded on various fronts.

It added that while security challenges remain significant, consistent operational coordination and strategic leadership within the armed forces are beginning to yield measurable results in several conflict-prone areas of the country.