The Presidency has said that the Nigerian Army was prosecuting the war against terrorism and banditry across the country with the troops making sacrifices to make the nation safe.

The Presidency, in an opinion by Bayo Onanuga, the Presidential spokesman, argued that the military deserved commendations instead of vilification considering their efforts and successes record ed in the fight against terrorism across the regions.

Onanuga, who presented detailed victories recorded by the troops, especially in the troubled regions of the country, said: “I have taken the time to present this comprehensive account of the recent heroic exploits of the Nigerian armed forces to underscore that our troops are resolutely prosecuting this asymmetric war, fearlessly defending us all, and making sacrifices—some paying the supreme price. “Challenges remain, and the battle is far from over.

However, what the armed forces and government deserve from us is appreciation and commendation, not condemnation and vilification “Some Nigerians and armchair analysts are often quick to criticise the Federal Government for perceived shortcomings in security, highlighting isolated incidents such as kidnappings, improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings, and attacks in parts of the country.

“Such perceptions, however, tend to downplay and discount the heroic exploits of members of the Nigerian armed forces, saddled with the responsibility of countering the evil machinations of Godforsaken non-state actors, who operate like guerrillas. “My position is reinforced by the security reports I receive daily from Zagazola Makama, a journalist who has emerged as a counterinsurgency expert in Nigeria.

This past week alone, Zagazola inundated me with reports from multiple theatres, indicating that our troops are making significant gains in the asymmetrical war against insurgents, terrorists, ISWAP, Boko Haram, IPOB, bandits, kidnappers, and crude oil thieves.”