CDS Oluyede Lauded Over Improved Military Operations

A civil society organisation, the Coalition for National Security and Democratic Stability (CNSDS), has commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, over what it described as the growing operational efficiency of the Nigerian Armed Forces following the neutralisation of 317 terrorists and criminal elements across the country within one month.

The group said the latest operational figures released by the Defence Headquarters reflected renewed momentum in the military’s campaign against terrorism, kidnapping, crude oil theft and organised criminal activities nationwide.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, president of the coalition, Samuel Agada, said the achievements recorded in May 2026 demonstrated improved coordination among the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions under the leadership of General Oluyede.

According to the Defence Headquarters, troops deployed across various theatres of operation neutralised 317 terrorists and criminal elements, arrested 314 suspects and rescued 221 kidnapped civilians during coordinated operations conducted nationwide in May.

The military also reportedly recovered several weapons, dismantled illegal arms manufacturing facilities and destroyed crude oil theft sites in different parts of the country.

Reacting to the development, Agada said the results showed that the Armed Forces were gradually regaining operational dominance in several conflict-prone areas.

“These figures are not just statistics. They represent communities protected, lives saved and criminal networks disrupted through the courage and professionalism of Nigerian troops,” he said.

“We commend the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for providing strategic leadership at a critical time when the country faces complex security threats across multiple fronts.”

The coalition noted that military operations conducted across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South and South-East reflected stronger intelligence gathering and improved inter-agency collaboration.

Agada particularly praised troops involved in counter-terrorism operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in the North-East, describing the rescue of abducted women and children as a major humanitarian achievement.

He also described the dismantling of illegal arms factories and the disruption of logistics supply chains used by criminal groups as significant breakthroughs in weakening the operational capacity of terrorists and kidnappers.

“The destruction of illegal arms factories and the disruption of supply chains show that the military is not only confronting attacks but also targeting the infrastructure sustaining insecurity,” he said.

The coalition further applauded military operations against crude oil theft syndicates in the Niger Delta, noting that the destruction of illegal refining sites and seizure of stolen petroleum products would help protect the nation’s economic interests.

Agada urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies through credible intelligence sharing, stressing that national security remained a collective responsibility.

“The success of these operations reminds us that national security is a collective responsibility. Citizens must continue to cooperate with security agencies by sharing timely and credible information,” he stated.

He also expressed condolences to families of military personnel who lost their lives during operations, while urging the federal government to sustain support for troops on the frontline.

The coalition maintained that although insecurity remained a major challenge, recent operational gains showed that sustained military pressure and intelligence-led operations could significantly weaken criminal networks threatening peace and stability across the country.