By Hauwa Ismael Kaduna
The Northern Consensus Movement of Nigeria NSNCM, a coalition of 598 Northern groups from the 36 state and FCT, has expressed support for the for Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede and service chiefs in their efforts to combat insecurity in the country.
This comes in response to recent comments made by Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, who urged Nigeria’s service chiefs to resign if they can’t handle the insecurity problems ravaging the country. And particularly made emphasizes on the Chief of Army Staff Lt General Olufemi Oluyede
“Upon his appointment as COAS Lt General Olufemi Oluyede came in with vigour, valour, determined ,willing, and battle ready working in synergy with MOD, DHQ and sisters agencies Air Force and Navy to curb insecurity, “it is unfair to deliberately attempt to get him distracted and or the CDS, other service chiefs or the Minister’s of Defence from the honorous task ahead of them.
What he and all other heads of security agencies require is good will,encouragement, support, and players for them to succeed.
The NSNCM highlighted the notable successes recorded by the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, in tackling insecurity across the country with support from Honorable Minister of Defense Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Minister of State defence Dr Bello Matawalle and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher G Musa.
He said, “Between May 2023 and February 2025, the army neutralized 13,543 terrorists and criminals, arrested 17,469 individuals, and rescued 9,821 hostages. Additionally, 124,408 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist combatant fighters and their families surrendered during this period.
“The military’s efforts have also led to improved security along major routes, allowing socio-economic activities to thrive. NSNCM noted that the military’s kinetic and non-kinetic efforts have resulted in the return of peace to hundreds of communities, with thousands of people returning to their ancestral homes.
He opined that “Some notable successes include the elimination of high-profile terrorists like Boko Haram kingpins Talha, Mallam Umar, and Abu Yazeed.
Dr Awwal maintained that “In the Northwest, the military neutralized notorious bandit kingpins like Kachalla Dogo Isah and Sani Bammuwa. The military’s efforts have also led to improved oil production, with a significant reduction in crude oil theft.
The NSNCM highlighted several initiatives implemented by the Chief of Army staff Lieutenant Olufemi Oluyede to enhance the effectiveness of the Nigeria Army.
“These include the replacement of commanders in the field to ensure effective leadership and tactical operations, increment of soldiers’ RCA to enhance their welfare and performance, and collaboration with MDAs for a comprehensive approach to tackle insecurity.
“The Chief of Army Staff attributed the successes to the renewed synergy among security agencies and the engagement of local authorities and the public in sharing vital information.
He emphasized that the military’s strategy is focused on ending insurgency and banditry in the Northeast and Northwest, curbing pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the South-south, and ending separatist agitation in the Southeast.
“The military’s efforts have also led to improved oil production, with a significant reduction in crude oil theft. The Army operational responses have resulted in the capture most recently of hundreds of thousands of litres of PMS, which was intended to be delivered to insurgent.
The NSNCM urged all Nigerians to support the Chief of Army Staff Liuternat General Olufemi Oluyede,CDS General CG Musa,service chiefs Ministers of Defense and all security agencies, in their efforts to combat insecurity.
This includes providing intelligence, cooperating with security personnel, and promoting a culture of security consciousness.
The NSNCM also commended President Tinubu for his leadership in addressing security challenges and supported his call for stakeholder engagement in addressing insecurity.
The NSNCM emphasized the need for caution when making sweeping judgments about the service chiefs’ performance. Security operations are inherently complex and require careful planning, coordination, and execution.
“It is unfair to attribute the successes or failures of these operations to individual personalities without considering the broader context.
The NSNCM emphasized that insecurity is a collective responsibility that requires a multifaceted approach. The group urged all Nigerians to play their part in promoting security and stability in the nation.
“While respecting the role of prophets and religious leaders in promoting spiritual guidance and moral direction, the NSNCM urged them to exercise caution when commenting on sensitive issues like security.
The NSNCM reaffirmed its commitment to promoting national unity and security. The group believes that by working together, Nigerians can overcome the security challenges facing the nation and build a more stable and prosperous future.
The NSNCM commended the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers and urged all Nigerians to support and appreciate their efforts.
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