Coalition for Change Praises Military Progress in North-East

The Coalition for Change commended Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede and Nigerian troops for measurable progress in restoring peace across the North-East after an independent assessment tour of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba states. Executive Director Dr Emmanuel Agabi presented the findings on October 16, stating that the tour aimed to assess the security situation by engaging troops and civilian communities.

The report noted visible markers of normalcy, including the return of over 7,000 displaced families and the repatriation of over 3,000 Nigerians from Cameroon. Educational activities resumed in towns like Banki and Gwoza, and the National Youth Service Corps orientation returned to Maiduguri after 13 years.

The coalition credited Operation HADIN KAI, run by the Joint Task Force (North East), for these gains. Despite progress, the report cautioned that remnants of Boko Haram remain active in remote areas but no longer pose an existential threat.

Community leaders urged the government to address underlying issues to ensure long-term stability.