Nigerian lawmakers hail military gains under Oluyede

A Nigerian lawmaker has commended the country's armed forces for achieving significant operational successes under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede. Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, stated that joint military operations have recorded more progress in the past year than in recent times.

Agbese, a Labour Party lawmaker, highlighted the military's strengthened inter-service cooperation and intensified campaigns against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats. He noted that the renewed synergy among the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies has yielded measurable results, including the neutralization of criminal elements, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of territories previously threatened by armed groups.

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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.

"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," Agbese said. "Under the leadership of General Olufemi Oluyede, we are seeing a level of synergy among the services that is producing visible results."

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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 further emphasized that the military is actively confronting criminal elements across the country, not just responding to attacks. Agbese cited recent operational figures, stating that in June alone, troops neutralized 129 terrorists and other criminals, arrested 486 suspects, rescued 542 kidnapped victims, and recovered 130 firearms and 5,538 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, seven illegal refining sites were dismantled, and over 308,000 liters of stolen petroleum products were recovered.

"These are not ordinary statistics. Behind every figure is a community made safer, families reunited with loved ones, dangerous weapons taken off our streets and criminal organisations denied the resources they depend on," Agbese added. He particularly applauded the rescue of hundreds of civilians held captive by insurgents in the North-East, calling it a major humanitarian achievement deserving national recognition.

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These are not ordinary statistics. Behind every figure is a community made safer, families reunited with loved ones, dangerous weapons taken off our streets and criminal organisations denied the resources they depend on.