A civil society organisation, the Coalition for National Security and Democratic Stability (CNSDS), has commended the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, over what it described as improved operational efficiency of the Nigerian Armed Forces following the neutralisation of 317 terrorists and criminal elements across the country within one month.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the coalition’s president, Samuel Agada, said recent operational figures released by the Defence Headquarters reflected renewed momentum in the military’s campaign against terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and organised crime.

According to the Defence Headquarters, troops deployed across different theatres of operation nationwide neutralised 317 terrorists and criminal elements, arrested 314 suspects and rescued 221 kidnapped civilians during coordinated military operations conducted in May 2026.

The military also recovered several weapons, dismantled illegal arms factories and destroyed crude oil theft facilities in various parts of the country.

Reacting to the development, Agada said the results demonstrated the impact of stronger coordination among the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions under Oluyede’s leadership.

“These figures are not just statistics. They represent communities protected, lives saved and criminal networks disrupted through the courage and professionalism of Nigerian troops,” he said.

“We commend the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for providing strategic leadership at a critical time when the country faces complex security threats across multiple fronts.”

The coalition noted that operations conducted in the north-east, north-west, north-central, south-south and south-east reflected improved intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.

Agada particularly praised troops involved in counter-terrorism operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in the north-east, describing the rescue of abducted women and children as “a major humanitarian achievement.”

He also said the destruction of illegal arms factories and the interception of logistics channels used by criminal groups were significant in weakening terrorist and kidnapping networks.

“The destruction of illegal arms factories and the disruption of supply chains show that the military is not only confronting attacks but also targeting the infrastructure sustaining insecurity,” he said.

The coalition further commended operations against crude oil theft syndicates in the Niger Delta, noting that the destruction of illegal refining sites would help protect national economic interests.

While expressing condolences to families of fallen soldiers, the group urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies through credible intelligence sharing.