NIPS praises Nigerian Army’s progress, warns politicians against playing politics with insecurity
The National Initiative for Peace and Security (NIPS) has praised the Armed Forces of Nigeria for major achievements in the fight against insecurity in the first three months of 2026.
In its latest quarterly report released on Monday by its Executive Director, Adams Kings, the group said security forces have made strong progress across different parts of the country.
According to the report, the military stepped up operations nationwide, leading to the killing of more than 200 suspected terrorists, the arrest of close to 300 individuals, and the rescue of about 188 kidnapped victims in April alone.
NIPS explained that these results were recorded in several regions, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-South, and South-East. It said this shows better coordination among security agencies, improved planning, and stronger logistics.
The group also noted that the military is no longer focusing only on direct combat. Instead, it is now targeting the supply chains and support systems that help criminal groups operate.
Describing the period as an important turning point, NIPS said the armed forces have increased the speed and intensity of their operations across the country.
In the North-East, the report said ongoing offensives weakened terrorist strongholds, with over 130 fighters eliminated. Similar success was recorded in the North-West, where bandits were neutralised and several kidnapped victims were freed.
NIPS added that troops have also destroyed hideouts, illegal weapon factories, and supply routes used by criminal groups. It said this strategy is aimed at stopping these groups from rebuilding their strength.
The organization further stated that the rescue of civilians, including women, children, and farmers, has helped restore hope in affected communities and improve public trust in the government.
It also noted that security operations were carried out in line with international standards, helping to maintain discipline and credibility.
However, NIPS raised concerns about some politicians who it said are turning security matters into political arguments.
The group warned that such actions can weaken the morale of security personnel and mislead the public about the true situation on ground.
According to NIPS, some political voices have ignored real progress, spread fear without full context, and used insecurity as a tool for political gain. It added that this could indirectly support the narratives of criminal groups.
The organization cautioned that when security issues are politicised, both citizens and frontline officers are the ones who suffer most.
While acknowledging the progress made, NIPS said challenges still remain, as criminal groups continue to adjust their tactics and take advantage of local issues.
It therefore called for continued military pressure, better intelligence gathering, and stronger cooperation between civilians and security agencies to sustain the fight against insecurity.