The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and troops of the Nigerian Army for recent operational successes against terrorist groups across the country, urging security agencies to sustain joint operations to consolidate the gains.

In a statement issued yesterday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the civil rights group also praised the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (MOPOL) and other security agencies for their collaborative efforts in counter-terrorism operations.

HURIWA particularly hailed troops of Operation Hadin Kai and MOPOL for foiling an attempted mass abduction at the Federal Government Girls College, Monguno, Borno State, where 46 students were rescued from suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

According to the association, the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven and coordinated security operations in protecting lives and critical public institutions.

While expressing sadness over the lives lost during the attack, HURIWA extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured students a speedy recovery.

It also called on the Federal Government to strengthen security around schools and other vulnerable public facilities to prevent similar attacks.

The group further welcomed other recent military achievements, including the killing of suspected ISWAP fighters near the University of Maiduguri, the rescue of more abductees in Gwoza, bringing the number of victims freed through the Gwoza East corridor to over 100, and the arrest of a suspected terrorist in Katsina State.

HURIWA said the successes reflected the increasing impact of sustained military offensives against terrorist networks and commended the Chief of Army Staff’s commitment to improving operational effectiveness through indigenous innovation, enhanced training, better combat support capabilities and stronger inter-agency collaboration.

The association recalled previous achievements under Operation Hadin Kai and other military operations, including the elimination of terrorist commanders, destruction of insurgents’ logistics bases, rescue of kidnapped civilians and disruption of criminal supply routes.

It maintained that sustained offensive operations, backed by credible intelligence and cooperation among security agencies, remained the most effective strategy for degrading the capabilities of terrorist groups.

HURIWA urged the military to deepen collaboration with the police, intelligence agencies and local security structures, describing joint operations as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.

The organisation also called on military personnel to uphold professionalism, discipline, respect for human rights, the Rules of Engagement and the Law of Armed Conflict while carrying out operations, stressing that adherence to legal and constitutional standards would strengthen public confidence in the armed forces.

The group expressed optimism that the recent gains would encourage security agencies to intensify pressure on terrorist groups until they are dismantled, while assuring the Armed Forces and other security agencies of its continued support for lawful and professional operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country.