Former Presidential Candidate, Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, has applauded the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy for their reported significant operational achievements in the ongoing battle against terrorism, kidnapping, criminality, oil theft and other threats to national security.
Prof. Adesanya-Davies described the recent reported successes as commendable demonstrations of military professionalism, operational courage, strategic commitment and the determination of Nigeria’s Armed Forces to protect lives, defend national sovereignty and safeguard the country’s economic interests.
She particularly highlighted two significant areas of reported operational progress:
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### 1\. Nigerian Army: Rescue of 16 Kidnapped Victims in Niger State
The Professor commended reports that troops of the Nigerian Army successfully rescued 16 kidnapped persons from criminal enclaves in Niger State, with the recovery of dangerous weapons and cash during the operation.
She described the rescue as a significant humanitarian and security achievement, stressing that every rescued Nigerian represents a life restored, a family reunited and another victory against the forces of criminality.
According to her, such operations send a strong message to kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal networks that the Nigerian military remains resolute in its responsibility to reclaim communities, dismantle criminal hideouts and restore public confidence in national security.
### 2\. Nigerian Navy: Rescue Operations and Intensified War Against Oil Theft
Prof. Adesanya-Davies also commended the Nigerian Navy for its reported rescue interventions and sustained operations against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and illicit refining activities across the Niger Delta.
She observed that the Navy’s operational commitment is particularly significant to Rivers State and the wider Niger Delta, where oil-related economic sabotage has devastating consequences for environmental sustainability, public revenue, community livelihoods and national development.
Speaking from Port Harcourt, the heart of the Niger Delta, she stated:
“The Nigerian Navy’s work in protecting our maritime environment and confronting oil theft deserves recognition and sustained encouragement. Every illegal refinery dismantled, every oil-theft network disrupted and every rescue operation successfully undertaken represents progress in protecting our national wealth, preserving our environment and securing the future of our communities.
“Similarly, the rescue of 16 kidnapped Nigerians by the Nigerian Army in Niger State is not merely a military achievement; it is a triumph of humanity, compassion and the fundamental responsibility of government to protect the lives of its citizens.”
### Security Successes Must Be Sustained
The former presidential candidate stressed that although Nigeria continues to confront complex security challenges, operational breakthroughs such as these demonstrate that determined leadership, credible intelligence, inter-service cooperation, professional discipline and adequate military capacity can produce meaningful results.
She emphasised that the fight against insecurity must not be treated as a temporary campaign or celebrated only when major victories are recorded. Rather, it requires sustained national commitment, consistent operational effectiveness and accountability.
She therefore called on the Federal Government and the leadership of the Armed Forces to sustain the momentum by prioritising:
* Improved welfare, protection and motivation of military personnel.
* Modern military hardware, intelligence infrastructure and advanced surveillance technology.
* Adequate logistical and operational support for troops on the frontlines.
* Stronger collaboration among the Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies.
* Effective community engagement and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
* Continued protection of Nigeria’s territorial waters, oil installations and critical national assets.
### A Call for Citizen Participation and National Solidarity
Prof. Adesanya-Davies further appealed to Nigerians, particularly residents of the Niger Delta and communities affected by insecurity, to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence capable of preventing attacks, identifying criminal networks and supporting rescue operations.
She maintained that national security is a collective responsibility and that the Armed Forces deserve the confidence, encouragement and cooperation of the people they have sworn to protect.
She particularly congratulated the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the commanders involved and every officer and soldier who contributed to the reported successes.
Concluding, she declared:
“Our military personnel deserve more than applause; they deserve our unwavering support, adequate welfare, modern equipment and the assurance that the nation they defend will never abandon them.
“Nigeria must never surrender to terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft or criminal intimidation. We must strengthen our Armed Forces, sustain our national resolve and ensure that every operational victory translates into lasting peace, security and prosperity for our people.
“We salute the courage and sacrifices of our gallant men and women in uniform. May their efforts yield greater victories. Nigeria shall overcome insecurity, and Nigeria shall prevail!”
SIGNED:
PROF. FUNMILAYO ADESANYA-DAVIES Former Presidential Candidate November 7, 2026
