Lawmaker Praises Military’s Renewed Offensive Against Terrorists

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for what he described as renewed and coordinated offensives against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede.

Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State on the platform of the Labour Party, gave the commendation while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, saying the military had recorded significant operational gains through enhanced collaboration among the various security services.

According to him, the improved synergy between the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies has strengthened ongoing operations across the country, leading to the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of kidnapped victims and recovery of illegal arms.

“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 witnessing a level of synergy among the services that is producing visible results. The military is no longer merely responding to attacks but taking the battle to terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and oil thieves across the country,” Agbese said.

The lawmaker cited recent operational statistics released by the Defence Headquarters, noting that troops neutralised 129 terrorists and other criminal elements in June, arrested 486 suspects, rescued 542 kidnapped victims, recovered 130 firearms and 5,538 rounds of ammunition, while dismantling seven illegal refining sites and recovering more than 308,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

“These are not just statistics. Behind every figure is a community made safer, families reunited with loved ones, dangerous weapons taken off our streets and criminal networks weakened,” he stated.

Agbese particularly praised troops for rescuing hundreds of civilians held captive by insurgents in the North-East, describing the feat as a major humanitarian achievement.

“The rescue of hundreds of innocent Nigerians, many of them women and children who had spent months in captivity, reflects the courage, professionalism and sacrifice of our troops. They continue to risk their lives daily so that Nigerians can live in peace, and they deserve our collective appreciation and support,” he said.

He also highlighted the Armed Forces’ second-quarter operational achievements, which saw the neutralisation of 662 terrorists and other criminal elements, the arrest of 1,084 suspects, the rescue of 951 kidnapped victims, the recovery of 328 firearms and more than 12,500 rounds of ammunition, as well as the dismantling of 12 illegal refining sites and recovery of over 464,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

According to him, the figures demonstrate sustained pressure on criminal networks and underscore the effectiveness of ongoing joint military operations.

Agbese urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible intelligence and rejecting collaboration with criminal elements.

“Our armed forces cannot fight this battle alone. Citizens must continue to provide timely information and stand firmly behind our security personnel. With sustained public support, strong leadership and continued operational momentum, lasting peace is achievable,” he said.

He also called for increased investment in intelligence gathering, modern military equipment and personnel welfare, expressing confidence that such measures would further enhance the Armed Forces’ capacity to restore lasting peace and security across the country.

The lawmaker assured that the National Assembly would continue to support policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and improving the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.