The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, under the auspices of the Middle-Belt Pan-Nigerian Forum, has commended President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Nigeria’s security agencies for what it described as decisive action against terrorism.
The commendation followed a statement by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs praising Nigeria’s response to recent attacks in the Middle Belt and urging sustained efforts to protect communities in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State.
In a post on its official X account, the bureau said, “The United States commends Nigeria’s strong response to the latest attacks from Fulani militant groups. We will continue to work with the Nigerian government to protect Christians in the Middle Belt. We urge Nigeria to continue the momentum and defend the Barkin Ladi communities in particular.”
Reacting in a statement on Monday issued by its Convener, Dr Danladi Dangana, the Forum said the US acknowledgement was an indication that the Tinubu administration’s efforts, coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser, were beginning to yield results.
The forum said although the fight against terrorism was not over, recent developments showed that victory was possible.
The forum urged Nigerians to support the government and security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and security across the country.
It also called on the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to sustain operations against bandits, kidnappers and Boko Haram insurgents.
The forum, however, cautioned that the US commendation should not be interpreted as an indication that the war against terrorism had been won.
“This commendation is welcome, but it is not a certificate of completion.
“More work remains if every part of Nigeria is to be safe, and if every person, regardless of religion or ethnicity, is to live and work anywhere in this country without the fear of being attacked or killed by terrorists,” it said.
The Forum also commended Ribadu for what it described as his role in strengthening cooperation among Nigeria’s security agencies and maintaining diplomatic engagement with the United States.
According to the group, Ribadu’s engagement had helped sustain US-Nigeria relations despite Washington’s concerns over attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria.
The Coalition said the NSA was backing his commitment to a safer Nigeria with concrete action rather than rhetoric.
It said that the Middle-Belt Pan-Nigerian Forum would continue to work with the Office of the National Security Adviser and security agencies until terrorism was defeated.
“We will continue to partner with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the security agencies until the fight against terror is won,” the statement read.