Presidency counters critics, highlights troops’ gains in anti-terror war

…says rescue operations, arrests, neutralisations underscore progress nationwide

…adds successes often downplayed despite sacrifices

The Presidency has thrashed growing criticism and narratives downplaying the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, insisting that troops are recording significant successes in the ongoing war against terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities across the country.

In a piece released on Tuesday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said recent security operations across multiple theatres demonstrate that the military is steadily degrading criminal networks, even as personnel continue to make sacrifices to keep Nigerians safe.

He noted that while isolated incidents of insecurity often dominate public discourse, they tend to overshadow the consistent gains being made by troops in the field.

According to him, recent operational reports show that security forces have intensified offensives against insurgents, kidnappers, militias and other non-state actors, leading to rescues, arrests and neutralisation of threats in several states.

In Benue State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued 13 passengers abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo road after a coordinated search-and-rescue mission in a forest in Ohimini Local Government Area.

The victims, including young candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), were treated for injuries sustained during captivity, while authorities clarified that the attackers were local criminal elements rather than external groups as earlier speculated.

In Plateau State, troops under Operation Enduring Peace conducted a series of operations that led to the arrest of nine suspected ethnic militiamen in Riyom Local Government Area, alongside the recovery of arms and ammunition.

Additional suspects were apprehended in Jos North, including one linked to the stabbing of a police officer, while security forces restored calm in several volatile communities affected by recurring clashes.

Troops also foiled attacks, repelled gunmen and recovered rustled cattle in multiple locations, engaging armed groups in gun battles that resulted in casualties among the attackers.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised terrorists along the Kirawa-Pulka axis in Borno State and repelled fresh attacks in Benisheikh after intense firefights.

Explosive ordnance teams further prevented potential tragedies by detecting and detonating improvised explosive devices planted along strategic routes.

In Yobe State, troops disrupted insurgent logistics by arresting suspected ISWAP and Boko Haram collaborators in Damaturu.

Similarly, in Sokoto State, soldiers of 8 Division repelled an attack on Garin Hillo Village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, forcing armed assailants to retreat after a shootout, while injured civilians received medical attention.

Troops of Operation MESA in Kogi State also destroyed a suspected terrorist camp in Yagba West Local Government Area, intercepting supplies meant for criminal elements.

In the South-East, joint security forces discovered and defused improvised explosive devices in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, underscoring ongoing efforts to curb separatist-linked violence.

Security operatives in Edo State equally foiled a kidnap attempt in Auchi, rescuing victims and arresting suspects, with weapons recovered from the criminals.

On the global stage, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, participated in counterterrorism discussions at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation against violent extremism.

Onanuga maintained that the pattern of violence in some regions, particularly in Plateau State, reflects the role of local actors exploiting communal tensions, rather than the simplistic narratives often promoted in public commentary.

He stressed that the armed forces are confronting complex, evolving threats with determination, noting that their efforts are frequently underreported or misrepresented.

“Our troops are resolutely prosecuting this asymmetric war, fearlessly defending us all and making sacrifices—some paying the supreme price,” he said.

The presidential aide called on Nigerians to support and appreciate the military, emphasising that sustained public confidence and cooperation are critical to consolidating security gains and restoring lasting peace nationwide.