Boko Haram: Coalition Visits Six North-East States, Reports Security Gains
Abuja, FCT — The Coalition for Change has commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and Nigerian troops for reported improvements in security across the North-East following an independent assessment tour of the region's six states.
The coalition's Executive Director, Dr Emmanuel Agabi, disclosed the findings at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, October 16, after the group visited Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi and Taraba states.
According to Agabi, the assessment was conducted to obtain a firsthand understanding of the security situation through engagements with military personnel and civilian communities.
In its report, the coalition said the Nigerian Armed Forces had significantly weakened the operational capabilities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), reducing their ability to control territory and launch large-scale, coordinated attacks.
Communities Record Signs of Recovery
The report highlighted several developments it described as signs of a gradual return to normalcy in communities previously affected by insurgency.
According to the coalition, more than 7,000 displaced families have returned to their ancestral homes across Borno State, while over 3,000 Nigerians have reportedly been voluntarily repatriated from Cameroon.
The group also cited the reopening of trade routes and the resumption of WAEC and NECO examinations in communities such as Banki and Gwoza as evidence of improving conditions.
Additionally, the coalition noted that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation programme had returned to Maiduguri after more than 13 years.
The coalition said these developments reflected progress in ongoing efforts to restore security and rebuild affected communities across the North-East.
However, the findings represent the coalition's assessment of the situation, and the reported figures and security gains would require independent verification.