The Middle Belt Conscience Guard has commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Nigerian armed forces for sustaining coordinated military operations against insurgents and criminal groups across parts of the country.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that this is coming after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the elimination of a senior Islamic State (IS) commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, during a joint counterterrorism operation conducted by Nigerian and United States forces.
Tinubu said the operation was carried out overnight in the Lake Chad Basin.
According to the President, the operation targeted the compound of the wanted terrorist leader and resulted in the killing of several of his lieutenants.
Tinubu described the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region.
In a statement issued and signed by the group’s President, Dr. Anthony Idoko, and Secretary-General, Amos Adamu, the organisation said recent military offensives in the north-central and north-east regions reflected renewed commitment and improved tactical coordination among security agencies.
The group praised Oluyede for what it described as visible operational leadership and strategic coordination in ongoing counter-insurgency and anti-banditry campaigns.
According to the MBCG, intensified offensives, intelligence-driven operations and stronger collaboration among security agencies have begun to improve security in some parts of the Middle Belt.
“The recent momentum recorded by the armed forces shows that coordinated military pressure remains one of the most effective responses against insurgency, banditry, and other violent criminal activities threatening national stability,” the statement read.
“We commend the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, alongside military commanders and frontline troops for sustaining operational pressure on criminal elements across troubled regions.”
The organisation stated that the military leadership deserved public support rather than politicisation of ongoing security operations.
It argued that the scale of insecurity confronting the country requires national unity and institutional cooperation.
The group urged the armed forces not to relent in efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist hideouts, disrupting illegal arms supply routes and reclaiming communities affected by violent attacks.
According to the group, recent military operations have started restoring confidence among residents in rural communities previously deserted because of repeated attacks by armed groups.
The organisation also called on state governments and local communities to strengthen cooperation with security agencies through intelligence sharing and community support structures.
“No security architecture can succeed without the trust and cooperation of local populations,” the group stated.
“Citizens must see themselves as active stakeholders in the national security process.”
The group further appealed to the Federal Government to sustain investments in military welfare, intelligence gathering, surveillance technology and operational logistics.
It maintained that while security challenges remain significant, consistent military coordination and strategic leadership are beginning to produce measurable results in conflict-prone areas across the country.