The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, has commended troops across the country for their gallantry, discipline and resilience in sustaining military operations against terrorists, armed criminals and economic saboteurs.
General Oluyede gave the commendation as the Armed Forces recorded significant operational gains in August, including the recovery of 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products and the destruction of 21 illegal refining sites.
The Chief of Defence Staff recognised the sacrifices of personnel involved in rescuing abducted citizens, neutralising terrorists and armed criminals, dismantling criminal and secessionist networks, disrupting illegal oil bunkering and protecting critical national assets.
He also commiserated with families of civilians and security personnel who lost their lives during the month and wished injured personnel and other victims a speedy recovery.
General Oluyede commended the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local security groups and other security agencies for their operational synergy, which he said continues to produce tangible results.
He also appreciated traditional rulers, community leaders and members of the public for providing credible information and supporting security operations.
The commendation followed the Armed Forces’ operational performance in August, which the Defence Headquarters described as evidence of its sustained resolve to create a secure environment for socio-economic stability and peace.
The military said operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining continued to frustrate economic saboteurs, with 686,800 litres of stolen crude oil products recovered and 21 illegal refining sites destroyed during the month.
The August operational figures also showed a significant improvement in several key indicators compared with July.
The number of terrorists and criminals neutralised increased sharply, while arrests and civilian rescues also recorded substantial gains.
There was also a notable rise in terrorist surrenders, increasing from 11 in June to 57 in July and 201 in August.
The Defence Headquarters said the increase reflected growing pressure on hostile elements and a possible willingness by some insurgents and their associates to abandon terrorist enclaves.
Crude oil recovery also recorded a major turnaround, rising by 174.2 per cent in August, after declining by 18.8 per cent in July.
The military attributed the overall improvement to intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations, enhanced intelligence, stronger inter-agency cooperation and increased pressure on criminal and terrorist networks.
Meanwhile, the CDS has also appreciated the media for its professionalism and balanced reporting of military operations, urging continued partnership to keep Nigerians informed while safeguarding operational security.
He further acknowledged the recent gesture by Air Peace, whose staff and passengers gave military personnel a spontaneous standing ovation while boarding a flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The gesture followed a directive by the airline’s Chairman, Allen Onyema, that military and police personnel be accorded priority boarding and applauded in recognition of their service and sacrifices.
General Oluyede encouraged other corporate organisations, institutions and Nigerians to support and recognise personnel serving in defence of the country.
The Armed Forces reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the current operational tempo, protecting lives and property, defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and working with relevant stakeholders to consolidate peace and security across the country.
The military also urged Nigerians to provide timely and accurate information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193, assuring the public that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.