Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigerian Armed Forces are recording significant operational gains against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and oil theft under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has said.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, attributed the reported successes to improved inter-service cooperation, intelligence-driven operations and strategic coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force.
In a statement marking Oluyede’s first anniversary in office, the lawmaker said the CDS, who assumed office on October 30, 2025, had strengthened joint military operations and enhanced the capacity of the Armed Forces to confront multiple security threats across the country.
He noted that the military had recorded operational successes across the North-East, North-West, South-East and Niger Delta, with positive implications for community safety, economic activities and national security.
Agbese cited recent operations under Operation Hadin Kai, where troops reportedly neutralised more than 50 terrorists during engagements around Buni Yadi in Yobe State and Bitta in Borno State.
He said the operations also resulted in the recovery of several weapons, including AK-47 rifles, machine guns, a mortar and large quantities of ammunition.
The lawmaker added that troops had rescued kidnapped victims, arrested suspected collaborators and logistics suppliers, while securing the surrender of some insurgents and their family members.
According to him, sustained military pressure has also contributed to the dismantling of illegal refining facilities, recovery of stolen petroleum products and improved security around oil and gas infrastructure.
He further linked the improved security environment to increased crude oil production, which he said had risen from about 1.4 million barrels per day to peaks approaching 1.84 million barrels per day.
Agbese said the reported security gains had created opportunities for displaced persons to return to their communities, farmers to resume cultivation and economic activities to recover in previously troubled areas.
He commended Oluyede for prioritising joint operations, personnel welfare and sustained military pressure on criminal networks, describing the improved collaboration among the services as a major feature of his leadership.
According to him, the operational breakthroughs demonstrate the importance of intelligence sharing, professionalism and coordinated military responses in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
Agbese also urged Nigerians, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the Armed Forces by providing useful information and cooperating with security agencies.
He expressed confidence that sustained military coordination and public cooperation would help consolidate the reported gains, degrade remaining criminal networks and promote lasting peace and security across the country.
