Banditry: FCT rallies push for stronger joint military action as communities applaud recent successes

Residents across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to maintain and step up ongoing kinetic operations against bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers who have refused to surrender.

The appeal was made on Tuesday during Peace and Development rallies held in Gwagwalada and Lugbe.

The events, convened by the Ayudent Empowerment Initiative, focused on educating citizens about the importance of peace to national development and mobilizing public support for the military’s efforts.

Participants credited recent operational breakthroughs, including the rescue of 318 kidnap victims , to improved coordination within the AFN under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

They stressed that collaboration among security agencies, government officials, and local communities remains vital to countering insecurity nationwide.

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Speaking in Gwagwalada, Anselm Gambo linked the military’s momentum against criminal groups to sustained inter-agency cooperation.

“We must commend the Armed Forces under the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for the intensity of operations against the enemies of the country. We urge them to intensify operations against those who refuse to lay down arms,” he said.

Gambo added, “We are seeing massive successes in Sokoto, Kano, Kogi, the South East, and elsewhere. All these achievements result from the synergy of the different arms under the able leadership of the CDS. It is highly commendable. We want them to sustain it.”

In Lugbe, a taxi driver also praised the AFN, noting that bandits and kidnappers are “currently facing the consequences” of the military’s expanded operations.

Victor Benson, Team Lead of the Ayudent Empowerment Initiative, highlighted the damaging impact of insecurity on the nation and urged residents to cooperate with security forces to help restore peace. He noted that meaningful socio-economic development cannot occur without stability.

The Peace and Development rallies also took place in several other locations, including Lagos, Kaduna, Keffi, Agbor, Nyanya, Zuba, and Mararaba.