The National Initiative for Peace and Security (NIPS) has praised the Armed Forces of Nigeria for what it described as significant operational successes recorded across multiple regions in the first quarter of 2026, while cautioning against the politicisation of security efforts.
In a quarterly report released on Monday, the group, led by its Executive Director, Dr. Adams Kings, said the military under the leadership of General Olufemi Oluyede had intensified coordinated operations nationwide, yielding measurable results.
According to the report, more than 200 terrorists were neutralised, nearly 300 suspects arrested, and about 188 kidnapped civilians rescued in April alone. These operations, NIPS noted, spanned the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East regions.
Describing the period as a defining phase in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts, the organisation highlighted improvements in logistics, inter-service coordination, and a strategic shift towards dismantling the support systems of criminal networks.
“The Armed Forces have demonstrated a significant increase in operational tempo across the country. These outcomes reflect a more aggressive and coordinated approach that targets both the combat and support structures of criminal networks,” the report stated.
NIPS further disclosed that in the North-East, sustained offensives led to the killing of over 130 terrorists, while similar disruptions were recorded in the North-West through bandit neutralisation and rescue operations.
The report also underscored a deeper focus on systemic disruption, including the destruction of terrorist camps, illegal arms production facilities, and logistics networks an approach aimed at weakening the long-term capacity of criminal groups.
While acknowledging these gains, the organisation raised concerns over what it described as the growing politicisation of security matters by some political actors.
“Certain narratives undermine the morale of security forces and distort public perception. Some elements within the political space have engaged in conduct that inadvertently strengthens the propaganda of terrorist and criminal groups,” NIPS said.
It warned that dismissing verified military achievements and amplifying fear without context could embolden criminal elements and pose risks to national security.
NIPS stressed that when security issues are weaponised for political rivalry, both civilians and frontline personnel suffer the consequences.
Despite the progress, the group noted that challenges remain, particularly as criminal groups adapt to difficult terrains and exploit local grievances.
To sustain momentum, NIPS recommended continued offensive operations, increased investment in intelligence gathering, improved civil-military relations, and timely funding for security agencies.
It also called on political leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements and urged a unified national approach to addressing insecurity, including tackling its socio-economic root causes.
The organisation concluded that while Nigeria’s security forces are becoming more effective under the current military leadership, lasting success will depend on national cohesion and collective responsibility.
