IMPI Insists Tinubu’s War Against Terrorism Yielding Results Despite Challenges

The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s counter-terrorism campaign is recording measurable gains, despite ongoing security challenges in parts of the country.

The policy think tank also maintained that recent incidents of kidnappings should not be interpreted as a failure of the administration’s security strategy.

In a detailed policy statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Omoniyi Akinsiju, IMPI said available data from security operations indicates significant progress in the fight against terrorism and banditry since 2023.

The group argued that the federal government’s counter-terrorism efforts have produced “notable tactical successes” across several theatres of operation.

“From our study of the federal administration’s counter-terrorism efforts, it is indisputable that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has recorded notable tactical successes in the fight against banditry,” the statement read.

IMPI disclosed that security forces have neutralised over 8,000 terrorists and bandits within the period under review, while about 11,600 suspects have been arrested in various operations nationwide.

It added that troops have also recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition used by criminal groups.

The think tank cited several recent rescue operations as evidence of improved operational effectiveness by the military and other security agencies.

Among them was the June 2026 operation in Borno State, where Operation HADIN KAI troops reportedly rescued 360 kidnapped victims from a heavily fortified terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains.

It also referenced operations in Kogi State, where soldiers of the 12 Brigade, working alongside local vigilantes, rescued kidnapped victims after pursuing fleeing terrorists in Yagba West.

According to IMPI, similar coordinated missions in Borno, Kwara, Niger, Kaduna and Kebbi States have led to the rescue of hundreds of abducted persons.

“In Kwara State, joint operations by the Nigerian Army and Air Force rescued 21 victims, while other operations across different states have freed several hostages in recent months,” the statement noted.

The organisation explained that modern counter-terrorism operations now rely heavily on intelligence-led pursuits, rapid deployment, and coordinated air and ground assaults.

It said troops often conduct aggressive pursuit operations into forests, caves and mountainous terrain, forcing kidnappers and insurgents to abandon their captives.

“The military relies on several key strategies to secure the release of captives,” IMPI said. “Swift pursuit operations into forests and rugged terrain often compel armed groups to flee and abandon abducted persons.”

The think tank also highlighted the role of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in tracking criminal networks and guiding precision strikes on hideouts.

It cited cases where security forces intercepted kidnappers’ communications and disrupted ransom negotiations, leading to successful rescue missions without payment.

IMPI further referenced a case in Plateau State where a retired military officer was rescued from a ₦200 million ransom demand without any financial payment.

According to the group, rescued victims are usually given immediate medical attention, psychological support, and basic relief before being handed over to state authorities for reunification with their families.

The policy group attributed the reported gains in the fight against terrorism to increased investment in military equipment, aviation assets, and training under the Tinubu administration.

It listed recent acquisitions including 24 M-346FA fighter jets, T-129 ATAK helicopters, Agusta 109S helicopters, MD 530F attack helicopters, surveillance aircraft, and King Air 360i platforms.

IMPI also noted improvements in military training infrastructure, including new depots in Ebonyi State and existing facilities in Zaria and Osogbo.

It added that international partnerships with countries such as Türkiye and France have strengthened operational readiness and tactical capabilities of Nigerian forces.

While acknowledging the gains, IMPI said gaps still remain, particularly in the areas of technology deployment and addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities that fuel recruitment into criminal groups.

It urged the federal government to deepen investment in intelligence systems and strengthen development efforts in rural communities affected by insecurity.