Residents of Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory and Mararaba in Nasarawa State have commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for sustaining operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft, describing the military’s efforts as vital to national security and economic stability.
The commendation came on Friday during a Peace and Development Rally organised by the Centre for Security and Economic Development (CSED), where community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders gathered to express solidarity with troops serving across various theatres of operation nationwide.
Speaking at the rally, community leader Aliyu Makama said members of the Armed Forces deserved greater public recognition for confronting multiple security threats while safeguarding 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, said the military’s operations against crude oil theft had helped strengthen the economy by protecting government revenues that would otherwise be lost to criminal activities.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking, Friday Nnadi praised the resilience of military personnel despite the country’s complex security challenges.
“Our soldiers are stretched across different operations, yet they continue to record successes against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and oil thieves. Their commitment and professionalism should be commended by all Nigerians,” he said.
Explaining the rationale behind the rally, Secretary of CSED, Taiwo Abiodun, said the event was organised to promote peaceful coexistence and underscore the importance of unity in driving sustainable 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,” he said.
Abiodun urged citizens to complement the efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies by providing credible intelligence and cooperating with security personnel.
“The Armed Forces cannot do it alone. Citizens have a critical role to play by supporting our troops through cooperation and the timely sharing of 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 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 said.
Participants at the rally observed that recent operations targeting crude oil theft, illegal refining and pipeline vandalism had contributed to improved crude oil production while curbing the activities of economic saboteurs in oil-producing communities.
They also acknowledged the sacrifices of military personnel serving in various operational theatres, noting that their efforts had enhanced security and boosted investor confidence in strategic sectors of the economy.
The rally concluded with participants reaffirming their support for the Armed Forces and expressing optimism that ongoing operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and crude oil thieves would further strengthen national security and accelerate economic development.
By Chuks Oyema
