By Jerrywright Ukwu

Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the house of representatives, says sustained military operations across the country are weakening criminal networks and improving security.

Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency of Benue on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), spoke with journalists in Abuja on Sunday.

The lawmaker commended the armed forces under the leadership of Olufemi Oluyede, chief of defence staff (CDS), for improved coordination among the military services in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft.

“Those who genuinely follow developments in our security sector will agree that the Armed Forces have become more coordinated and more decisive in confronting criminal elements,” he said.

“Under the leadership of General Olufemi Oluyede, we are seeing a level of synergy among the services that is producing visible results.

“The military is not merely responding to attacks; it is taking the battle to terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and oil thieves across different parts of the federation.”

Agbese cited operational figures released by the military, saying troops neutralised 129 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 486 suspects and rescued 542 kidnapped victims in June.

He added that troops also recovered 130 firearms, 5,538 rounds of ammunition, dismantled seven illegal refining sites and recovered more than 308,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

“In June alone, our troops neutralised 129 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 486 suspects, rescued 542 kidnapped victims, recovered 130 firearms and 5,538 rounds of ammunition,” he said.

“They also dismantled seven illegal refining sites and recovered over 308,000 litres of stolen petroleum products.

“These are not ordinary statistics. Behind every figure is a community made safer, families reunited with loved ones, dangerous weapons taken off our streets and criminal organisations denied the resources they depend on.”

The lawmaker also praised the military for rescuing civilians held captive by insurgents in the north-east.

“The rescue of hundreds of innocent Nigerians, many of them women and children who had spent months in captivity, speaks volumes about the commitment and professionalism of our troops,” he said.

“These brave men and women continue to risk their lives every day so that ordinary Nigerians can live in peace, and as a nation we owe them our gratitude and unwavering support.”

Agbese said the armed forces maintained the momentum in the second quarter of the year, neutralising 662 terrorists and other criminal elements, arresting 1,084 suspects and rescuing 951 kidnapped victims.

He added that troops recovered 328 firearms, over 12,500 rounds of ammunition, dismantled 12 illegal refining sites and recovered more than 464,000 litres of stolen petroleum products during the period.

“These achievements reflect sustained pressure on criminal networks and show that our security forces are steadily reclaiming the initiative,” he said.

Agbese urged Nigerians to support the military by providing timely intelligence and rejecting collaboration with criminal groups.

“Our armed forces cannot fight this battle alone. Citizens must continue to provide timely information, reject collaboration with criminal groups and stand firmly behind our security personnel,” he said.

“The progress we are witnessing today should encourage all Nigerians to believe that with sustained support, strong leadership and continued operational momentum, lasting peace is achievable.”

He added that the national assembly would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through improved funding, intelligence gathering, modern military equipment and personnel welfare.

Source: TheCable