CDS, Service Chiefs Have Made Tremendous Gains in War Against Terrorism, Banditry — Agbese

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has lauded the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and the service chiefs for what he described as tangible and strategic gains in Nigeria’s campaign against terrorism, banditry and other crimes threatening national stability. Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of […]

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has lauded the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and the service chiefs for what he described as tangible and strategic gains in Nigeria’s campaign against terrorism, banditry and other crimes threatening national stability.

Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, said the current military leadership has reinvigorated counter-insurgency and counter-banditry operations in a manner that is restoring public confidence.

Speaking with journalists on Thursday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on his way to an international engagement, the UK-trained lawyer urged Nigerians to support the armed forces and resist narratives that weaken their morale.

“The service chiefs have given us clear evidence that Nigeria can win this war. Their leadership has strengthened military operations and restored hope in our ability to overcome these threats,” Agbese said.

He singled out General Musa for praise, pointing to his coordination of joint military operations and his ability to align the different services under a unified counter-terrorism framework.

According to him, the hosting of the African Defence Chiefs’ Summit in Abuja in August was a landmark achievement that showed Musa’s vision extended beyond Nigeria to the continent at large.

“That summit was not just a gathering; it was a statement. Nigeria, under General Musa, showed leadership by convening African militaries to discuss African solutions to African problems,” Agbese said.

Agbese also commended the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for his determined fight against oil theft, illegal refining, and maritime crime.

He said the Navy’s successes in protecting pipelines and curbing smuggling have translated directly into improved revenue inflows for the government.

“The Chief of Naval Staff has demonstrated uncommon commitment in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain. His leadership in curbing pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and other maritime crimes has not only secured vital national assets but also restored confidence in our waters,” Agbese said.

On the role of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Agbese was emphatic that his field-driven leadership style has begun to turn the tide in troubled theatres of operation.

He said Oluyede’s tactical innovations and insistence on officers leading from the front have boosted morale among soldiers and strengthened operations in the North-East and North-West.

“General Oluyede is not a desk officer; he is on the ground with the troops. His operational strategy has improved security in affected areas. Communities are regaining confidence because they see the Army’s presence and feel its renewed vigour,” Agbese observed.

He added that Oluyede’s outreach to local communities in conflict zones has also created fresh avenues for intelligence-gathering, which is proving decisive in anticipating and thwarting attacks.

“Security cannot be won by bullets alone; it requires the trust of the people. General Oluyede understands this and has fostered the kind of community collaboration that gives our troops a critical advantage,” he said.

Agbese, who is also a member of the Pan-African Parliament, pledged to use his continental platform to push for deeper regional defence cooperation.

“I will present model laws at the forthcoming Pan-African Parliament plenary in Johannesburg. Nigeria must not only lead the fight with strength on the battlefield but also with intellect at the policy level,” Agbese said.

He explained that the PAP develops laws for domestication across the continent, adding: “There is no better time to design a continental framework for combating insecurity than now, when Nigeria’s security architecture has taken the lead and is yielding results.”

Agbese urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their support for the armed forces while holding leaders accountable through constructive engagements.