Lawmaker says military operations are putting pressure on terrorist groups
House of Representatives deputy spokesperson Philip Agbese has praised recent Nigerian military operations, citing official figures on fatalities, rescued hostages, arrests and recovered weapons. He cautioned, however, that the reported gains require sustained investment, intelligence-sharing and cooperation between security agencies and communities.
House of Representatives deputy spokesperson Philip Agbese says recent military operations show that Nigeria’s Armed Forces are exerting increasing pressure on terrorist and bandit networks. In a statement issued in Abuja, Agbese cited Defence Headquarters figures showing that troops conducted operations across the country in July and August. The figures recorded 1,487 terrorists and insurgents neutralised, 777 kidnapped victims rescued and 354 suspects arrested.
The operations also led to the recovery of 91 firearms, 1,331 rounds of ammunition and 44 improvised explosive devices, according to the figures cited by the lawmaker. Agbese said the results indicated a shift from responding to attacks towards disrupting command structures, logistics and supply routes. He referred to Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, where the Defence Headquarters reported 114 terrorists neutralised, 146 suspects arrested and 60 hostages rescued in August.
He also cited intensified operations under Operation Fansan Yamma in parts of the North-West. Agbese, a Labour Party member from Benue State, commended Defence Minister of State Bello Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede and Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu. He said military gains depended on coordination among the armed forces, police, intelligence services, local security groups and communities.
The lawmaker said the increasing surrender of insurgents could reduce the manpower available to terrorist organisations and provide intelligence. He warned against complacency and called for continued investment in equipment, surveillance, logistics, intelligence and personnel welfare. He also urged residents to provide credible information about hideouts, suppliers and collaborators.
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