By Gabriel Ameh
Despite recent security challenges and isolated cases of kidnappings across parts of the country, the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has maintained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has recorded significant successes in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
In a policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Omoniyi Akinsiju, the policy think tank said available evidence shows that the Federal Government’s counter-terrorism campaign has achieved notable operational gains since President Tinubu assumed office.
According to IMPI, more than 8,000 terrorists and bandits have been neutralised by security forces between 2023 and 2026, while over 11,600 criminal suspects have been arrested. Thousands of weapons and ammunition have also been recovered during military and police operations nationwide.
The group highlighted recent rescue operations as evidence of progress in the security sector. It cited the June 6, 2026 operation by troops of Operation HADIN KAI, which led to the rescue of 360 kidnapped victims from a terrorist enclave located within the Mandara Mountains in Borno State.
IMPI also referenced successful rescue missions in Kogi, Kwara, Kebbi, Kaduna and Niger states, noting that security agencies have increasingly demonstrated the capacity to secure the release of abducted victims through coordinated military offensives and intelligence-led operations.
According to the think tank, security agencies have adopted a combination of aggressive pursuit missions, intelligence gathering, surveillance and precision air strikes to weaken criminal networks and secure the freedom of captives.
It explained that troops routinely conduct clearance operations in forests, caves and mountainous terrains, forcing terrorists and bandits to abandon hostages while fleeing advancing security forces.
The organisation further noted that intelligence-driven rescue missions have helped security operatives save victims without paying ransom. It cited a recent operation in Plateau State where a retired military officer was rescued despite kidnappers demanding ₦200 million for his release.
IMPI attributed many of the recent operational successes to the Federal Government’s investments in military hardware, aviation assets and personnel development.
According to the report, the administration has procured advanced military platforms, including M-346FA fighter jets, T-129 ATAK helicopters, Agusta 109S Trekker helicopters, MD 530F Cayuse attack helicopters, Diamond DA62 surveillance aircraft and King Air 360i multi-purpose aircraft.
The think tank also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen military capacity through expanded training programmes, the establishment of additional army training depots and strategic partnerships with allied nations such as Türkiye and France.
It further noted that the government has launched a specialised Special Operations Force programme focused on counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, intelligence gathering, cyber warfare and other high-risk missions.
However, IMPI stressed that while progress has been recorded, more investments are needed in surveillance technology, intelligence infrastructure and socio-economic development in vulnerable communities to sustain long-term security gains.
The group concluded that although security challenges remain, current operational outcomes suggest that the Tinubu administration’s counter-terrorism campaign continues to make measurable progress rather than showing signs of failure.
