By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Society for Citizens Safety (SCS) has urged the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustain and intensify ongoing operations against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers across the country, saying Nigerians remain firmly behind the military in the fight to restore peace and security.
In a press release on Monday, signed by the Secretary of the group, Gambo Abdullahi, the organisation said the recent rescue of 360 abducted residents of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State demonstrates that criminal elements can be defeated through sustained military pressure and intelligence-driven operations.
According to the group, the successful operation by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, which led to the freedom of hundreds of captives held by insurgents since March, should serve as motivation for security forces to intensify efforts against terrorist strongholds across the country.
Abdullahi stated that the operation carried out in the Mandara Mountains underscores the importance of persistence, coordination and determination in confronting insurgent groups that continue to threaten communities in the North-East.
The group noted that Nigerians are encouraged by the rescue mission and other recent operational successes recorded by the military, stressing that citizens are eager to see security forces maintain the momentum until terrorist and bandit networks are completely dismantled.
It also pointed to recent air strikes in Borno State that reportedly neutralised several terrorists and destroyed a gun truck, saying such operations have continued to degrade the operational capacity of insurgent groups.
The Society for Citizens Safety further referenced the arrest of suspected bandit and terrorist informants by troops of Operation Savannah Shield in Niger State, noting that targeting collaborators and logistics networks is essential to defeating criminal organisations.
According to the organisation, the recovery of weapons, ammunition, communication devices and other exhibits from suspects in various operations shows that the military is steadily disrupting the support structures that sustain insecurity.
The group also commended the swift responses of troops of Operation Enduring Peace, whose interventions led to the rescue of kidnapped victims and the foiling of abduction attempts in Plateau and Kaduna states.
Similarly, it highlighted the arrest of a suspected arms supplier and the recovery of more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition by troops of Operation Fansan Yanma in Zamfara State, describing the operation as a major step towards cutting off the supply of weapons to bandit groups.
While acknowledging the sacrifices being made by military personnel in different theatres of operation, Abdullahi urged the Armed Forces to go all out against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, assuring them that millions of Nigerians support their efforts and remain hopeful that lasting peace and security will soon be restored across the country.
