Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that security will improve across the country following recent military operations and an operational assessment of troops in the Northeast.

Shaibu spoke to reporters after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, saying his tour of the Northeast theatre revealed “encouraging progress.” The Army Chief said the improved outcomes reflect better coordination among security agencies and sustained pressure on criminal networks.

“The situation within this period is satisfactory, showing better coordination among the security agencies and continued pressure on criminal networks,” he said, adding that citizens should expect “improved security across the country.”

Air strikes, joint operations cited

The assurance followed weekend air operations by the Nigerian Air Force that reportedly routed terrorists in hideouts in Borno, Katsina and Kwara states and neutralised hundreds of insurgents, according to military sources.

Northern leaders back progress

At a separate event in Kaduna, several northern leaders — including Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, former Senate President Pius Anyim, and Arewa Think Tank convener Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu — praised President Tinubu’s security reforms and said attacks and banditry had reduced in parts of the North.

“Banditry attacks have reduced in the North. People can now travel along Zaria–Funtua–Gusau without fear,” Defence Minister Badaru said.

Calls for unity, caution on foreign intervention

Former SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo warned against allowing foreign commentary — such as the recent threat of U.S. military action — to deepen domestic divisions. He urged Nigerians to avoid using external interventions as grounds for sectarian conflict.

Meanwhile, the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) noted Nigeria’s recent defence spending — including arms procurement from the U.S. — as evidence of the government’s political will to fight terrorism. The institute estimated about $801 million (N1.15 trillion) spent on U.S. arms between 2024 and 2025, citing purchases such as AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and precision-guided munitions.

Tough rhetoric, unity appeal

Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode urged a hardline stance: “We must eliminate every single terrorist and those sponsoring them,” he said, arguing that both Christians and Muslims are victims and must unite against terror