Opposition lawmaker praises Tinubu, security chiefs over rescue of Oyo kidnapped victims

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has praised President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs over the rescue of all teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo State, describing the operation as a defining moment in Nigeria’s campaign against insecurity.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the Labour Party lawmaker said the successful rescue had restored public confidence in the country’s security architecture and sent a strong message that terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups would no longer dictate the nation’s security narrative.

Agbese congratulated President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, service chiefs, the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for an outstanding display of professionalism, intelligence and inter-agency coordination.

He said the operation reflected the growing effectiveness of the administration’s security strategy and the determination of the armed forces to pursue criminal elements wherever they operate.

“The rescue of every pupil and teacher abducted in Oriire is far more than the successful conclusion of a security operation. It is a powerful statement that Nigeria is rising above those who seek to define us by violence and fear,” Agbese said.

“President Bola Tinubu, our security chiefs and the gallant men and women of our armed forces have restored our glory before the world by proving that no Nigerian life is expendable and that our nation has both the capacity and the resolve to confront criminality head-on.”

The lawmaker noted that the rescue came amid a series of successful military operations across different theatres of operation, saying the cumulative achievements demonstrate that the country’s security forces have continued to gain the upper hand against terrorists and bandits.

“Only recently, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara and Katsina States, neutralised the notorious terrorist commander, recovered assault rifles, ammunition and operational equipment, and, through coordinated air operations, intercepted and successfully engaged about 300 terrorists advancing on motorcycles before they could unleash mayhem on innocent communities. These are not isolated victories; they are clear evidence of a military that has seized the initiative and is relentlessly taking the battle to the enemies of our country,” he declared.

Agbese emphasised that recent operations by the armed forces have resulted in the rescue of numerous kidnapped victims, the dismantling of terrorist camps, the elimination of high-profile commanders and the recovery of weapons used to terrorise communities.

According to him, the consistency of these successes should reassure Nigerians that the country’s security institutions remain committed to protecting lives and restoring peace across every region.

“What we are witnessing today is an uncommon masterclass in intelligence-driven security operations. From rescuing captives and preventing coordinated attacks to dismantling criminal enclaves and denying terrorists freedom of movement, our armed forces and security agencies have continued to exceed expectations. They have demonstrated beyond doubt that Nigeria will never again be taken for granted by those who thrive on violence,” he stressed.

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies by providing credible, timely intelligence to prevent attacks and facilitate ongoing operations.

He also appealed to communities across the country to remain vigilant and cooperate closely with security agencies to sustain the gains already recorded.

“To every insurgent, bandit and terrorist still hiding in forests and remote enclaves across our country, my message is simple: surrender now before it is too late. The operational momentum is no longer in your favour. Every successful rescue, every terrorist commander neutralised and every criminal network dismantled brings Nigeria closer to lasting peace. Those who refuse to surrender should be prepared to face the overwhelming might of our gallant troops,” he announced.

Agbese expressed confidence that with sustained political support for the armed forces and continued collaboration among security agencies, Nigeria would record even greater successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while restoring lasting peace and stability across the federation.

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