The United Against Terror Movement (UATM) has commended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies for what it described as renewed professionalism in the fight against terrorism, while urging them to sustain the momentum through transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Saturday with the theme, “Nigerians Unite Under #UnitedAgainstTerror: A Call for Peace, Solidarity, and Decisive Action,” the Convener of the movement, Okai Austin, praised the DSS for strengthening public confidence through intelligence-driven operations, lawful arrests, prosecution of suspects, and successful convictions rather than relying on extrajudicial measures.
Austin said the agency had demonstrated significant institutional reforms by prioritising due process, allowing competent courts to determine the guilt or innocence of suspects.
According to him, the reported release and compensation of a farmer who was allegedly wrongfully arrested in Kaduna reflected the agency’s growing commitment to accountability.
The UATM convener also applauded the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, and local vigilante groups for their sacrifices in tackling insecurity across the country.
He particularly praised the military for improving collaboration with community vigilante groups, describing the partnership as a positive step towards strengthening counter-terrorism operations.
He called on the military and police to continue adopting operational standards that promote professionalism, transparency, and stronger inter-agency cooperation.
While acknowledging the progress made, Austin warned that terrorism remains a serious threat to national security.
He urged military commanders and political leaders to intensify intelligence gathering and sustain efforts aimed at dismantling violent extremist networks across the country.
He further appealed to Nigerians to reject attempts by terrorists to create divisions along ethnic and religious lines, adding that every attack on any citizen should be treated as an attack on the entire nation.
Austin also encouraged citizens both within and outside Nigeria to support the #UnitedAgainstTerror campaign by providing credible intelligence to security agencies, noting that effective collaboration between the public and security institutions would deny terrorists the secrecy they depend on to execute attacks.
Also addressing the press conference, Okpanachi Jacob, a member of the movement, cautioned against the indiscriminate sharing of sensitive security information on social media, warning that intelligence leaks could undermine national security operations.
He advised Nigerians to report security-related information directly to the appropriate authorities rather than making such information public.
Jacob also urged the Federal Government to strengthen oversight of funds allocated to states and local governments, arguing that prudent management of public resources would help reduce poverty and address some of the socio-economic challenges contributing to insecurity.
The United Against Terror Movement maintained that defeating terrorism requires sustained collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, and citizens, while stating its commitment to promoting peace, national unity, and collective action against violent extremism.