Support, Not Criticism, Will Defeat Insecurity – NSNCM

By Rabi'u Ahmadu Garkuwa, Kaduna The Northern Consensus Movement of Nigeria (NSNCM), a coalition of 598 Northern groups acro...

By Rabi'u Ahmadu Garkuwa, Kaduna

The Northern Consensus Movement of Nigeria (NSNCM), a coalition of 598 Northern groups across the 36 states and the FCT, has voiced strong support for the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and other service chiefs in their ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.

This follows recent remarks by Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, who called on the service chiefs to resign if they are unable to address the nation’s security challenges—specifically singling out the Chief of Army Staff.

“Upon his appointment, Lt. Gen. Oluyede assumed office with vigor, valor, determination, and a readiness for battle, working in synergy with the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Headquarters, and sister agencies—the Air Force and Navy—to curb insecurity. It is therefore unfair to attempt to distract him, the Chief of Defence Staff, other service chiefs, or the Ministers of Defence from the enormous task ahead,” the group stated.

The NSNCM stressed that what security leaders need now is goodwill, encouragement, support, and prayers from Nigerians in order to succeed.

The group highlighted significant milestones achieved by the Nigerian Army under Lt. Gen. Oluyede’s leadership, with support from the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher G. Musa.

Between May 2023 and February 2025, the Nigerian Army reportedly neutralized 13,543 terrorists and criminals, arrested 17,469 suspects, and rescued 9,821 hostages. Additionally, 124,408 Boko Haram/ISWAP combatants and their family members surrendered during this period.

“These operations have enhanced security along major routes, enabling socio-economic activities to resume. The military's kinetic and non-kinetic strategies have restored peace to hundreds of communities and allowed thousands of displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes,” the NSNCM noted.

The group cited the elimination of high-profile terrorists such as Boko Haram commanders Talha, Mallam Umar, and Abu Yazeed, and, in the Northwest, notorious bandits like Kachalla Dogo Isah and Sani Bammuwa. These efforts, it said, have also contributed to improved oil production and a significant reduction in crude oil theft.

Dr. Awwal, speaking on behalf of the NSNCM, praised the Army Chief for implementing reforms aimed at improving operational effectiveness. These include the replacement of field commanders for better tactical results, an increase in soldiers' allowances, and collaborative efforts with other MDAs for a comprehensive security approach.

He attributed recent successes to enhanced synergy among security agencies and closer engagement with local authorities and citizens, which has facilitated the gathering of vital intelligence.

The military’s strategy, according to the NSNCM, is focused on eliminating insurgency and banditry in the Northeast and Northwest, preventing oil theft in the South-South, and addressing separatist agitations in the Southeast.

The group noted that recent operations have also led to the interception of hundreds of thousands of liters of PMS allegedly intended for insurgents.

The NSNCM called on all Nigerians to support the Army Chief, the Chief of Defence Staff, other service chiefs, and the Defence Ministers by providing intelligence, cooperating with security personnel, and promoting a culture of security consciousness.

The group also commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership in addressing national security and endorsed his call for stakeholder engagement in the fight against insecurity.

While acknowledging the important role of religious leaders in providing moral and spiritual guidance, the NSNCM urged them to exercise caution when commenting on sensitive national issues such as security.

Finally, the group reaffirmed its commitment to national unity and peace, emphasizing that overcoming the country’s security challenges requires collective effort, coordinated strategies, and sustained support for the armed forces.

“We must all recognize and appreciate the bravery and sacrifices of our soldiers. Supporting them is not just a duty—it is a national imperative,” the statement concluded.