The Peace Advocates Network, PAN, has commended Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their ongoing operations against terrorists and other criminal groups across the country.
In a statement signed by Dr Charles Kazayet on Friday, the group said reported operational gains across several theatres indicated continued military pressure against security threats.
PAN also called on Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence and cooperating with troops deployed in affected communities.
The group highlighted activities in the North-East, where troops under Operation Hadin Kai have continued operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, fighters and their support networks.
According to PAN, troops operating in the region neutralised 484 terrorists, arrested 370 suspects and rescued 595 kidnapped victims during the second quarter of 2026.
The group further reported that 38 insurgents and their family members surrendered during the period. It also noted that more than 360 civilians, mainly women and children, were rescued from the Mandara Mountains in Borno State in June.
In the North-West, PAN said Operation Fansan Yamma had maintained offensive operations against bandits and kidnappers across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states.
The organisation also pointed to ongoing military operations in the North-Central, where troops have been deployed against criminal groups while securing vulnerable communities and major routes.
According to the group, operations in the South-East have focused on kidnappers, armed criminal groups and secessionist elements. In the South-South, troops have continued efforts against oil theft, illegal refining and other activities affecting the national economy.
PAN cited Defence Headquarters figures showing that troops dismantled 18 illegal refining sites and recovered more than 250,500 litres of stolen petroleum products in the South-South during July.
It added that Operation Udo Ka in the South-East arrested 26 suspects, rescued 10 civilians and recovered weapons and other logistical materials during the same period.
Kazayet said the reported results should reinforce the idea that national security requires cooperation between security agencies and citizens.
“The Peace Advocates Network recognises the sacrifices being made by officers and soldiers across the different theatres of operation,” he said, while noting the different security challenges confronting troops across the country.
The group commended Oluyede and military commanders for their leadership and urged the Armed Forces to sustain joint operations, intelligence gathering and cooperation with other security agencies.
PAN also called for stronger inter-agency coordination, improved intelligence capabilities and better equipment for personnel serving in conflict-prone areas.
The organisation appealed to politicians to avoid statements or actions that could undermine security operations or deepen divisions among Nigerians.
It urged citizens, traditional rulers, community leaders and political actors to maintain cooperation with security agencies and provide timely information about criminal activities.
PAN further stressed the importance of supporting the welfare of military personnel, particularly officers and soldiers deployed to areas facing persistent security threats.
The group said continued public support, alongside operational capacity and inter-agency cooperation, would be necessary to consolidate reported gains against insecurity across the country.
