A civil society organisation (CSO), Stayalert Human Rights Awareness Initiative, has scored the nation’s armed forces led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, high on security.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the CSO’s director of publicity, Amaechi Chuks Oyema, attributed the successes recorded by the military in the fight against insecurity to Gen. Musa’s emphasis on synergy among the armed forces and other security agencies.
“We want to use this opportunity to laud the CDS for the synergy seen in the armed forces. It is indeed highly commendable. This is why positive results are coming out from the different theatres of operation,” he said.
According to him, in the past one year, several terrorists, particularly high caliber commanders, have surrendered to troops.
“This can be attributed to the intensified military operations across the country. Over 4, 600 hostages have been freed, more than 9, 300 hostiles neutralised, and over 7, 000 terrorists and bandits have been arrested in the last one year.
“We can boldly say that in the past one year, the security situation has improved.
“We can attest that the Armed forces of Nigeria has not just said it is loyal to the constitution of the country, the leadership has continued to stress that democracy is the best. We commend the CDS for using every opportunity to affirm their loyalty to the constitution,” he said further.
Speaking on efforts of the military in the fight against economic sabotage in the Niger Delta, he said the relentless pursuit of crude thieves by troops of the AFN had increased the revenue of the government.
“From what the AFN is doing, the economic saboteurs have no option but to abandon their illicit activities. And of course, the economy is benefitting as stealing of our commonwealth is being blocked.”