A civic group, the Citizens Alliance for Security and National Cohesion (CASNC), has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for recent operations across the country, citing the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrests of suspects and the disruption of terrorist activities as signs of improved operational effectiveness.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National President, Dr Ibrahim Danjuma, the group said recent developments across multiple theatres indicate that troops are sustaining pressure on criminal networks and improving security outcomes.

CASNC highlighted the rescue of 13 passengers abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo route in Benue State, noting that the victims were recovered from a forested area following a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

The group said the intervention demonstrated the military’s improved capacity to track and recover victims within a short period, even in difficult terrain.

In Plateau State, the group referenced the arrest of suspected attackers linked to recent violence, as well as the recovery of arms and ammunition, including a submachine gun, pistol and locally fabricated weapons.

According to the statement, some of the suspects were believed to be responsible for a series of killings and were intercepted while in transit, reflecting what it described as a shift toward proactive, intelligence-driven operations.

CASNC also noted that troops responded to multiple distress calls in Plateau, evacuated injured civilians and prevented further escalation in affected communities.

In the North-East, the group said troops successfully repelled attempted attacks by insurgents and neutralised fighters trying to infiltrate communities along key corridors, particularly around the Kirawa–Pulka axis and Benisheikh area.

It also cited the discovery and safe detonation of an improvised explosive device along a major route in Borno State, saying the timely intervention prevented possible mass casualties.

The coalition further highlighted the arrest of suspected logistics suppliers linked to insurgent groups in Yobe State, describing it as a major step in weakening terrorist networks and limiting their ability to coordinate attacks.

In the North-West, CASNC referenced the repulsion of an attack in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where troops reportedly engaged about 30 armed assailants and forced them to retreat.

The group also mentioned operations in Kogi State, where troops destroyed a suspected criminal camp and intercepted a logistics courier, as well as in Edo State where security forces foiled a kidnap attempt, rescued victims and arrested suspects.

It added that in the South-East, joint security teams detected and safely disposed of improvised explosive devices during patrol operations.

CASNC said many of the successes were made possible by actionable intelligence from local communities, stressing the importance of civilian cooperation.

The group also commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for improving coordination among the armed forces and strengthening operational synergy across different theatres.

It called for sustained support for the military through improved welfare, equipment and public confidence, saying continued collaboration between citizens and security agencies remains essential for lasting security.