The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has said that despite recent security challenges and the resurgence of kidnappings in some parts of the country, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has recorded significant successes in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
In a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Omoniyi Akinsiju, the policy think tank argued that the Federal Government’s counter-terrorism efforts have yielded notable tactical victories, including the neutralisation of more than 8,000 terrorists and bandits since 2023.
According to IMPI, military and police offensives have also led to the arrest of about 11,600 criminal suspects and the recovery of thousands of weapons across various theatres of operation nationwide.
The group pointed to a series of recent rescue operations as evidence of the progress being made in the anti-terror campaign. It noted that troops of Operation HADIN KAI on June 6, 2026, rescued 360 kidnapped victims from a heavily fortified terrorist enclave hidden deep within the Mandara Mountains of Borno State.
It also cited operations in Kogi State, where troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, working alongside local vigilantes, rescued two kidnap victims after pursuing fleeing terrorists in Yagba West Local Government Area.
Similarly, IMPI highlighted recent search-and-rescue operations in Borno State that led to the freedom of hundreds of abducted persons, as well as joint operations by the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force in Kwara State that secured the release of 21 kidnap victims.
The think tank said recent successes recorded in Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Kwara and Borno states demonstrate a significant shift in the government’s response to kidnapping and banditry, with security agencies increasingly carrying out successful rescue missions.
“From our study of the federal administration’s counter-terrorism efforts, it is indisputable that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has recorded notable tactical successes in the fight against banditry,” the statement said.
Explaining the methods employed by security agencies, IMPI said troops frequently launch aggressive pursuit operations into forests, caves and mountainous terrains, forcing terrorists and bandits to abandon their captives and flee.
According to the group, intelligence-led operations have also enabled security operatives to secure the release of victims without paying ransom. It cited the recent rescue of a retired military officer in Plateau State despite kidnappers demanding ₦200 million for his freedom.
The policy group further noted that security agencies increasingly rely on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities before launching operations. It said precision air strikes and drone-supported missions have helped dislodge terrorists from their hideouts, creating opportunities for captives to escape or be rescued.
IMPI attributed the improved operational outcomes largely to investments made by the Tinubu administration in military hardware, aviation assets and personnel development.
Among the acquisitions highlighted by the group are 24 advanced M-346FA fighter jets, four T-129 ATAK helicopters, five Agusta 109S Trekker helicopters, 12 MD 530F Cayuse attack helicopters, Diamond DA62 surveillance aircraft and King Air 360i multi-purpose aircraft.
According to the think tank, the Nigerian Army has also expanded its training infrastructure with the establishment of a new training depot in Abakaliki/Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the total number of army training depots to three alongside existing facilities in Zaria and Osogbo.
The group further noted that the administration has strengthened international military cooperation by sending about 200 officers and soldiers to Türkiye for advanced tactical and special forces training while also deepening defence partnerships with countries such as France.
It added that the government has launched an elite Special Operations Force programme focused on counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, intelligence gathering, cyber warfare and other high-risk missions.
According to IMPI, personnel trained under the programme have already participated in several successful rescue and counter-terrorism operations across the country.
Despite the progress recorded, the organisation acknowledged that significant challenges remain and called for greater deployment of technology to enhance operational effectiveness.
It also urged government authorities to address socio-economic conditions in remote and vulnerable communities, arguing that criminal groups often exploit poverty and underdevelopment to recruit members and sustain their activities.
The latest intervention by IMPI come amid renewed public debate over Nigeria’s security situation following recent incidents of banditry, terrorism and kidnappings in parts of the country. While acknowledging the persistence of security threats, the group maintained that available evidence shows the Tinubu administration’s war against terrorism and violent crime continue to record measurable gains and cannot be described as a failure.
