The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has described the Nigerian Armed Forces as operating at their peak in the fight against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, said the military had recorded significant operational gains through improved coordination and cooperation among the Army, Navy and Air Force.
In a statement marking Oluyede’s first anniversary as Chief of Defence Staff, the lawmaker commended his leadership, saying the joint operational approach had strengthened the military’s capacity to tackle security threats across the country.
He noted that since Oluyede assumed office on October 30, 2025, the Armed Forces had sustained operations across the North-East, North-West, South-East and Niger Delta.
“General Oluyede has provided outstanding strategic leadership that has taken our Armed Forces to new heights. The level of synergy, jointness and cooperation among the Army, Navy and Air Force under his command is unprecedented and is yielding clear results on the battlefield,” he said.
Agbese cited recent military operations under Operation Hadin Kai, during which troops reportedly neutralised more than 50 terrorists in engagements around Buni Yadi in Yobe State and Bitta in Borno State.
He said the operations also resulted in the recovery of several weapons, including AK-47 rifles, machine guns, a mortar and large quantities of ammunition.
The lawmaker further said troops across the country had rescued kidnapped victims and arrested several suspected collaborators and logistics suppliers.
According to him, the military’s sustained operations had also contributed to the dismantling of illegal refining sites, recovery of stolen petroleum products and improved security in the nation’s maritime environment.
He linked the improved security situation to an increase in crude oil production from about 1.4 million barrels per day to peaks of nearly 1.84 million barrels per day.
Agbese added that the gains had created opportunities for some displaced persons to return to their communities and enabled farmers to resume cultivation in previously troubled areas.
He also noted that improved security along maritime corridors had contributed to economic activities and government revenue.
The lawmaker attributed the progress to Oluyede’s emphasis on joint operations, intelligence-driven engagements, personnel welfare and sustained pressure on criminal networks.
He described the CDS as the right officer for the position, praising his professionalism, strategic vision and commitment to national security.
Agbese urged Nigerians and other stakeholders to continue supporting the military, stressing that public cooperation and timely intelligence remained important to consolidating security gains.
He expressed confidence that continued coordination among the armed services would further weaken criminal networks and strengthen efforts towards achieving lasting peace across the country.
