From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have stepped up operations against terrorism, banditry, and armed criminality across the country under the renewed strategic leadership of General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
The coordinated efforts are yielding measurable results, particularly in the North-East, North-West, North-Central regions, and the nation’s maritime domain.
The development was confirmed in Abuja, highlighting that under Gen. Oluyede’s command, the military has recalibrated its counter-terrorism posture with a sharper focus on intelligence-led operations, inter-service synergy, and rapid response to emerging threats.
Speaking to correspondents, a senior military source said, “Under the CDS’s leadership, the Armed Forces have moved from reactive operations to a proactive, intelligence-driven strategy. Our goal is to ensure terrorists and criminals have no safe haven anywhere in Nigeria.”
In the North-East, sustained offensives have significantly disrupted the operational capabilities of insurgent groups, particularly Boko Haram and Ansaru. Operations have led to the neutralization of high-value insurgent commanders, destruction of insurgent logistics hubs and weapons caches, rescue of abducted civilians from terrorist enclaves, recovery of arms, ammunition, and other combat supplies, surrender of numerous fighters under intensified military pressure, and clearance of forested enclaves and border communities, reopening key supply routes.
A senior officer noted, “The North-East theatre demonstrates the effectiveness of joint operations. Army, Navy, and Air Force elements are working in concert to secure communities and restore normalcy for displaced residents.”
Beyond insurgency, the Armed Forces have intensified efforts against banditry, kidnapping syndicates, and armed criminal networks in the North-West and North-Central regions. Air interdiction missions supported by coordinated ground offensives have dismantled bandit hideouts in forested and rugged terrains, arrested logistics suppliers and collaborators aiding criminal gangs, intercepted illicit arms trafficking routes, and protected critical national infrastructure including dams, highways, and energy facilities.
These operations have restored public confidence in affected communities while reinforcing broader stabilization initiatives.
In the maritime domain, the Nigerian Navy has intensified patrols within the Gulf of Guinea and inland waterways to curb oil theft, piracy, and economic sabotage.
Surveillance operations and maritime domain awareness initiatives have intercepted vessels linked to illegal activities, safeguarded critical oil and gas infrastructure vital to national economic stability, and strengthened coastal defense posture through coordination with air and land assets.
Under Gen. Oluyede’s strategic leadership, the Armed Forces have also prioritized enhanced troop welfare and morale, upgraded operational platforms, surveillance equipment, and precision targeting tools, continuous training in asymmetric warfare, and expansion of civil-military cooperation and deradicalization programs.
These measures are designed to maintain a combat-ready, agile force capable of confronting 21st-century threats while improving civilian trust and engagement.
Recognizing that counter-terrorism goes beyond kinetic operations, the military has strengthened intelligence-sharing networks and engaged communities to disrupt recruitment pipelines for insurgent groups.
This approach has helped secure local support for security operations while promoting civilian safety.
The recent operational gains reflect Gen. Oluyede’s vision of a unified command structure across the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
His leadership has been described as decisive, proactive, and people-centered, combining strategic foresight with tactical precision.
A military analyst said, “Gen. Oluyede’s focus on jointness, intelligence integration, and troop welfare is transforming the operational architecture of the Armed Forces.
The results are evident across the North-East, North-West, and maritime domains.” Special recognition was given to Theatre Commanders, General Officers Commanding, Air Officers Commanding, and Flag Officers Commanding, whose leadership at operational and tactical levels has been critical to the execution of strategies.
Soldiers and officers on the frontlines, often operating under harsh conditions, have demonstrated resilience, discipline, and unwavering commitment to national security.
As Nigeria continues to navigate complex security challenges, the Armed Forces remain steadfast in their duty to defend the country’s territorial integrity, protect civilians, and sustain peace under the strategic guidance of Gen. Oluyede.