Retired Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has said Nigerian troops are making decisive gains against terrorism, banditry, and criminality nationwide.

He credited recent successes to improved coordination, better intelligence, and renewed fighting spirit among security forces.

“The terrorists and bandits are wounded but still dangerous. This is exactly the time to press harder,” Buratai warned.

Buratai highlighted operations under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, where troops repelled a major terrorist attack in Borno State.

“When the battle ended, twenty-four terrorists lay dead,” he said, noting that soldiers recovered rifles, machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenade tubes.

Follow-up operations revealed further insurgent losses. “Soldiers discovered seven fresh graves and two more bodies of fleeing terrorists,” he added.

In Yobe State, troops neutralised a high-ranking ISWAP commander. “Removing commanders like him sends a strong message that no terrorist is safe,” Buratai said.

He also praised joint operations between the Army and Air Force. “When ground troops and air power work together, the enemy has nowhere to hide,” he explained, referencing precision airstrikes in the Lake Chad region.

In the North-West, Buratai cited Operation Fansan Yamma offensives in Katsina, where soldiers engaged bandits and recovered over 200 rustled cattle.

“The troops are not just reacting to attacks; they are going into the forests, clearing hideouts, and denying bandits freedom of movement,” he said.

Similar progress was reported in Zamfara and Kaduna, where camps were destroyed, victims rescued, and suspects arrested.

In Plateau, troops recovered stolen cattle and apprehended militia members.

Operations in the South-South and South-East also yielded results, including the discovery of illegal oil bunkering sites in Rivers State and the arrest of a suspected militant commander.

Morale, Patriotism And Public Support

Buratai stressed the importance of morale. “The soldier on the frontline must never be demoralised, not for a single second,” he said. “There is no greater honour than to fight for your nation and, if need be, to sacrifice for it.”

He urged Nigerians to support the military. “Do not believe every negative story or amplify enemy propaganda. Celebrate our troops’ victories. Balanced reporting is not just good journalism; it is patriotism,” he said.

Commending the armed forces’ leadership, he noted that recent achievements “would not have been possible without their commitment” and praised the “renewed spirit of cooperation” among security agencies.

Encouraging troops, Buratai said: “Keep the pressure on. Do not allow the enemy to breathe. Every terrorist killed, every bandit arrested, and every kidnap victim rescued is a step closer to peace.”

Despite challenges, he expressed optimism. “The road ahead is still long, but the direction is clear; the tide is turning,” he concluded.