By Sadiya Ibrahim Musa, Kaduna
The Northern Consensus Movement of Nigeria (NSNCM), a coalition of 598 Northern groups from the 36 states and FCT, has expressed support for the 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.
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. "Between May 2023 and February 2025, the army neutralized 13,543 terrorists and criminals, arrested 17,469 individuals, and rescued 9,821 hostages," the group stated. "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. The 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.
Some notable successes include the elimination of high-profile terrorists like Boko Haram kingpins Talha, Mallam Umar, and Abu Yazeed. 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 group urged all Nigerians to support the Chief of Army Staff, CDS, 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 group emphasized the need for caution when making sweeping judgments about the service chiefs' performance and urged all Nigerians to play their part in promoting security and stability in the nation.
"We believe that by working together, Nigerians can overcome the security challenges of facing the nation and build a more stable and prosperous future," the group stated.
The NSNCM commended the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers and urged all Nigerians to support and appreciate their efforts. The group's support for the military's efforts is a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of security in promoting national development and stability.
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Insecurity