From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has lauded the heroic efforts of Nigerian security forces for their recent successes in the ongoing fight against bandits and terrorists, which have brought significant relief to many communities across the North.
In a statement signed by Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, National Coordinator of the group, the CNG stated that these victories, achieved through relentless and courageous onslaughts, demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the armed forces to restoring peace and security across the country.
According to the statement, through the sustained military operation Fansan Yamma, security forces have neutralised notorious terrorist elements within the Alawa Forest in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State in the North Central.
Similarly, in the Northwest, troops eliminated key bandits, including fighters loyal to the infamous Bello Turji, as well as his second-in-command and seven key commanders. In the Northeast, commendable efforts led to the elimination of Abu Iklima, a Boko Haram commander in Gaizuwa, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. These coordinated actions have dealt a decisive blow to the operational capabilities of these hardened but now demoralised criminal elements.
The CNG recognised and appreciated the sacrifices made by troops on the front lines, who risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of the people, even at the cost of their own lives. Their bravery and professionalism in confronting these criminals, even in the most dangerous hideouts, deserve the utmost respect and gratitude.
The CNG called for sustaining the momentum through an all-fronts onslaught to ensure the total eradication of banditry and terrorism in all parts of the country. It emphasised that the operations must extend to the hideouts of these criminals, weakening and decimating them while preventing their resurgence and attacking capabilities.
“We urge the military and other security agencies to sustain and intensify their offensive operations as they have demonstrated their unmatched and patriotic strength by taking the fight directly to the strongholds of these criminals, ensuring that they are completely dismantled and unable to regroup,” the statement read.
The Coalition also extolled the Service Chiefs, sister agencies, and the Minister of Defence for their leadership, providing frontline troops with the necessary resources to prosecute the operations gallantly.
While appreciating the leadership, the CNG called on them to sustain their support and backing for a more valiant triumph against the enemies of Nigeria and Nigerians.
The CNG further urged greater synergy between the federal and state governments, as well as improved coordination and cooperation among all security agencies. This, it noted, would optimise resources, enhance intelligence-sharing, and ensure a comprehensive approach to eradicating terrorism and banditry.