Residents of Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory and Mararaba in Nasarawa State have commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sustained operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft, describing the military’s efforts as critical to national security and economic stability.
The commendation was made during a Peace and Development Rally organised by the Centre for Security and Economic Development (CSED), where community members, youth groups and stakeholders gathered to express support for security personnel serving across various theatres of operation in the country.
Speaking during the rally, a community leader, Aliyu Makama, said the Armed Forces deserve recognition for confronting multiple security challenges simultaneously while also protecting critical national assets.
“Our troops are making enormous sacrifices to keep Nigerians safe. While they are fighting terrorists and bandits in different parts of the country, they are also protecting oil installations and combating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta.
These efforts deserve the appreciation of every patriotic citizen,” he said.
Another participant, Gbenga Oke, noted that the military’s anti-crude oil theft operations have significantly improved the nation’s economy by safeguarding revenues that would otherwise be lost to criminal networks.
“We often hear about military operations against insurgents and bandits, but many people do not realise the important work being done to stop oil theft. By protecting our oil resources, the Armed Forces are helping to strengthen government revenues and support national development,” Oke stated.
Also speaking, Friday Nnadi praised the Armed Forces for their resilience despite the numerous security challenges confronting the country.
“Our soldiers are stretched across different operations, yet they continue to record successes against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and oil thieves. All Nigerians should commend their commitment and professionalism,” he said.
Speaking on the purpose of the rally, the Secretary of CSED, Taiwo Abiodun, said the event was organised to promote peaceful coexistence among residents and raise awareness about the importance of unity as a foundation for socio-economic development.
“This rally is aimed at encouraging our people to live together in peace, harmony and mutual understanding. No meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of conflict, suspicion and division. Peace remains the bedrock of socio-economic progress in every community,” Abiodun said.
He urged residents to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies by cooperating with them and providing credible information that could assist ongoing operations against criminal elements.
“The Armed Forces cannot do it alone. Citizens have a critical role to play in supporting our troops by cooperating and sharing timely, useful information. When communities work closely with security agencies, it becomes easier to defeat terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening our nation.
“We commend the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the dedication of officers and men deployed across the country. Their sacrifices in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft are helping to safeguard lives, protect critical national assets and strengthen the nation’s economy,” he added.
The residents observed that recent efforts against crude oil theft, illegal refining and pipeline vandalism have helped improve crude oil production while reducing the activities of economic saboteurs operating in oil-producing communities.
They also acknowledged the sacrifices being made by military personnel deployed in various operational areas, noting that their efforts have contributed to improved security and enhanced investor confidence in key sectors of the economy.
The event concluded with participants reaffirming their support for the Armed Forces and expressing hope that ongoing operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and oil thieves would continue to strengthen national security and economic development.