A coalition of civil society organisations has commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs for what it described as the successful coordination of the operation that led to the rescue of 44 kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State.
The Coalition of Civil Rights Groups on Security Sector Reforms (CCRGSR) said the operation demonstrated improved synergy among the country’s security agencies, attributing the success to enhanced intelligence sharing and joint operational coordination under the current administration.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the coalition’s spokesman, Emmanuel Agabi, described the rescue mission as a model of professionalism carried out under difficult conditions, despite the loss of some security personnel during the operation.
He particularly praised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for strengthening inter-service collaboration, which, according to him, has enabled the Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies to operate under a unified command structure.
“Today, the Coalition of Civil Rights Groups on Security Sector Reforms stands before you with a profound sense of gratitude and national pride. We gather not merely to acknowledge isolated incidents, but to appraise significant milestones in our collective fight against insecurity, particularly the successful rescue of the Oriire kidnap victims in Oyo State.
“We particularly laud the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for his outstanding coordination of joint operations. General Oluyede has orchestrated a paradigm shift where the Army, Navy, Air Force and other services view themselves as equal partners in a unified command structure,” Agabi said.
The coalition also commended the Nigeria Police Force for providing operational support, investigations and community engagement that complemented the military operation.
According to the group, recent security operations across several states have resulted in the rescue of kidnap victims, the neutralisation of bandits and the recovery of arms and rustled livestock, indicating progress in efforts to curb insecurity.
While acknowledging the gains, the coalition urged the Federal Government and security agencies to sustain reforms aimed at addressing persistent security challenges, particularly in ungoverned and remote areas.
It also praised President Tinubu for prioritising improved funding, training and inter-agency collaboration within the security sector, saying the administration’s whole-of-government approach was beginning to yield measurable results.
“Their resilience in the face of adversity has not only rescued innocent citizens but has also dismantled key elements of the criminal networks responsible for these heinous acts,” Agabi said.
He extended condolences to the families of security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, describing them as heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation.
The coalition further called for increased investment in modern security equipment, improved civil-military relations, enhanced forensic and investigative capacity, and stronger community policing initiatives to consolidate recent gains.
It reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with government and security institutions in promoting security sector reforms and building a safer Nigeria.
“We charge the Nigeria Police Force to deepen community policing reforms, strengthen forensic and investigative capacities, and expand partnerships with vigilante groups and other local security networks.
“We also commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force for the successful Oriire rescue and ongoing security operations. Your efforts are restoring hope and confidence in the country, and we stand ready to support initiatives that will guarantee lasting peace and security,” the coalition said.
