The National Initiative for Peace and Security (NIPS) has lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for their notable operational strides across various conflict zones during the first quarter of 2026. The commendation came in a quarterly assessment released on Monday, signed by the group’s Executive Director, Dr. Adams Kings. The report also cautioned against the use of military actions as a political tool by certain politicians.
According to NIPS, the military intensified synchronized operations nationwide, leading to the elimination of over 200 terrorists, the detention of nearly 300 individuals, and the successful rescue of around 188 abducted civilians in April alone. These accomplishments, the group stated, cut across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East regions, due to enhanced logistical support, improved cooperation among services, and a deliberate move away from mere gun battles toward dismantling the infrastructure that supports criminal groups.
NIPS characterized the period as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency and internal security initiatives. The report emphasized that the armed forces have notably ramped up operational tempo throughout the country, with outcomes indicating a more aggressive and cohesive approach that targets both combatants and the logistical networks of criminal enterprises. Operations were conducted nationwide, reflecting refined strategic planning.
In the North-East, sustained campaigns continued to erode insurgent bastions, resulting in the death of more than 130 terrorists. Meanwhile, North-West operations achieved similar results through bandit neutralizations and civilian rescues. The report underscored a strategic emphasis on systemic disruption, including the demolition of camps, illegal arms manufacturing sites, and supply chains. This approach aims to cripple the long-term capacity of criminal elements to regenerate in asymmetric warfare contexts.
NIPS noted that rescues of women, children, farmers, and other civilians have restored dignity to affected communities and bolstered public confidence in state institutions. Operations also complied with rules of engagement and international humanitarian standards, preserving legitimacy.
However, the organization voiced alarm over what it terms the politicization of security efforts by unethical politicians. While democracy thrives on debate and disagreement, NIPS observed that some political actors are spreading narratives that demoralize security personnel and twist public understanding of ongoing operations. Specific concerns include the dismissal of verifiable military successes, amplifying fear without providing context, and framing national security challenges exclusively as political weapons.
NIPS warned that such politicization presents serious dangers, as intelligence sometimes ties these narratives to increased morale among criminal elements. When national security becomes a casualty of political rivalry, it is ordinary citizens and frontline troops who suffer the consequences, the report stressed.
Despite the progress, NIPS acknowledged that challenges remain, as criminal groups adapt to difficult terrain and exploit local grievances. To maintain the momentum, the organization recommended sustained offensive operations, deeper investment in intelligence networks, and stronger civil-military relations.