The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has commended Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a major victory for intelligence led security operations.
In a statement on Tuesday, the minister praised the gallantry, professionalism and coordination displayed by the country’s security architecture during the operation, which secured the safe release of the victims abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele.
Musa said the operation, carried out on July 10, was executed through the joint efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Security Adviser’s Tactical Team and other security and paramilitary agencies.
According to him, the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security initiatives and highlighted the growing collaboration among Nigeria’s security and intelligence institutions.
“The exceptional synergy displayed by the multi-agency coalition serves as a textbook example of modern, intelligence driven security initiatives,” the minister said.
He noted that the successful rescue reflected the dedication and sacrifices of security personnel who continue to work under difficult conditions to protect lives, property and the nation’s territorial integrity.
The minister, however, expressed condolences to the families of security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, describing their sacrifice as a reflection of the highest ideals of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The Federal Government stands with their families during this difficult time and remains committed to the welfare of the families of all our fallen heroes,” he said.
Musa reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the military and other law enforcement agencies through sustained investments in modern military platforms, intelligence capabilities, specialised training and inter-agency cooperation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the investments were already producing positive results across various theatres of operation and would further enhance Nigeria’s ability to tackle terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
The minister urged commanders and operatives across the country to sustain the momentum and replicate the level of coordination and tactical excellence demonstrated during the Oyo rescue mission in ongoing security operations nationwide.
He also expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government and residents for their cooperation during the operation, while calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts to combat insecurity.
Musa reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to build a safer, more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
