Group urges support for Nigerian military over new feat against Lakurawa terrorists, others

A civil society organisation, Citizens for Peace and Unity, has called on Nigerians to rally behind the military for its recent successes in combating terrorism, restoring peace in conflict zones, and boosting crude oil production.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ishaq Yusuf, highlighted several achievements of the Armed Forces.

These included the expulsion of the Lakurawa terrorists from Nigerian territory, the restoration of peace in Bagana, Kogi State, and a significant increase in daily crude oil production.

READ ALSO :Army General reveals Lakurawa terror group’s membership strength

“Within the week, the Senator representing Kebbi Central, Adamu Aliero, came out to say the military has pursued Lakurawa terrorists to Niger Republic,” Yusuf stated.

Quoting Aliero, he said: “Do you know that they were bold enough to hang around and kept threatening the villagers until our military arrived on Tuesday (November 12) and pursued them as they ran into Niger Republic?” Yusuf noted that the operation was critical to preventing the spread of terrorism from the North-East to the North-West.

The group also commended Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ododo for acknowledging the military’s efforts in restoring peace to Bagana, a community once known as the commercial hub of Omala Local Government Area.

Yusuf traced the history of Bagana, noting that ethnic clashes and farmer-herder conflicts had turned the once-thriving community into a battleground.

“Our military has played a very significant role in helping to restore peace in the area,” Yusuf said.

Highlighting economic gains, Yusuf pointed out that ongoing military operations have led to an increase in daily crude oil production, which rose from 1.23 million barrels to 1.8 million barrels as of October 2024, according to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

He emphasized the positive implications for the economy, urging political leaders to capitalize on the military’s efforts to deliver on their mandates.

“It is against this background that this group is coming out this afternoon to speak to our eminent citizens to come out more and openly declare support and encourage our troops who are quietly restoring peace across the country

“Testimonials coming from eminent citizens on the successes by our Armed Forces is an encouragement to Nigerians that light is at the end of the tunnel.

“We commend Gov Ododo and Senator Aliero. Their voice is strong and it encourages our troops that what they are doing is yielding fruits.

“We know several Nigerians have one good story or the other to say about our troops.

“The citizens must collect our country back from non state actors. We have a big role to play. This is not the time to keep quiet.

“Speaking on the increase in crude oil production, we all know the implications for our economy. It will lead to availability of more resources for the government at all levels to deliver on their mandate.

“The military is playing their role very much to make more resources available, we hope political leaders will do theirs.

“This afternoon, Citizens for Peace and Unity commends the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the able leadership of Gen. Chris Musa for this and several other testimonies of what they are doing.

“We use this opportunity to call for more support and encouragement for our troops, their continued sacrifices must not be in vain.”