Stop Mocking Our Troops’ Sacrifice, Presidency Warns Critics

The Presidency says critics of the federal government’s handling of insecurity often ignore the sacrifices and operational gains being recorded daily by the Nigerian Armed Forces across multiple theatres of operation.

The special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a piece titled, “Celebrating Our Military’s Heroic Actions Across Multiple Theatres”, said many Nigerians and “armchair analysts” focus on isolated incidents such as kidnappings, improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings and attacks, while overlooking successes recorded by troops.

According to him, such perceptions “downplay and discount the heroic exploits of members of the Nigerian armed forces” who are confronting insurgents, terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and crude oil thieves.

Onanuga said recent security reports showed that troops were making “significant gains in the asymmetrical war” against criminal elements operating in different parts of the country.

He cited the rescue of passengers abducted from a Benue Links bus travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo, saying troops of Operation Whirl Stroke carried out a successful search-and-rescue mission in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

He also highlighted operations in Plateau State where troops reportedly arrested suspects linked to killings, recovered arms and ammunition, foiled cattle rustling attempts and responded to attacks in flashpoint communities.

The presidential aide said troops in Borno and Yobe states also neutralised terrorists, repelled attacks and arrested suspected logistics suppliers linked to Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram.

According to him, troops further discovered and detonated improvised explosive devices in parts of Borno and Imo states during clearance and patrol operations.

Onanuga said in Edo State, soldiers foiled a kidnap attempt in Auchi, rescued victims and arrested suspects. At the same time, troops in Sokoto repelled an attack on Garin Hillo village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

He added that troops in Kogi State destroyed a suspected terrorist camp and intercepted a logistics courier during a joint operation involving security agencies.

The Presidency maintained that despite continuing security challenges, the military remained committed to protecting “Nigerians.

“I have taken the time to present this comprehensive account of the recent heroic exploits of the Nigerian armed forces to underscore that our troops are resolutely prosecuting this asymmetric war, fearlessly defending us all, and making sacrifices—some paying the supreme price,” Onanuga said.

He added, “Challenges remain, and the battle is far from over. However, what the armed forces and government deserve from us is appreciation and commendation, not condemnation and vilification.”