IPCR lauds Tinubu, security chiefs over rescue of abducted Oyo pupils

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution has commended President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security chiefs over the successful rescue of pupils, teachers and other victims abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its Director-General, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, the institute said the rescue operation underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s security architecture.

The IPCR also praised the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, heads of other security agencies, the Oyo State Government and all personnel involved in the operation.

It described the rescue as a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.

According to the institute, the successful operation reflected the positive impact of President Tinubu’s continued support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies through improved inter-agency coordination, intelligence-driven operations and sustained investment in national security.

The institute noted that the safe return of the victims after several weeks in captivity had brought relief to their families, the affected communities and Nigerians who had remained hopeful for their release.

It also congratulated the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies and other security personnel for what it described as their courage, professionalism and operational coordination.

“The successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers is a welcome development that deserves national commendation. It reflects the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support the nation’s security institutions in fulfilling their constitutional responsibility, as well as the commitment, professionalism and resilience of our gallant security personnel, whose sacrifices continue to safeguard lives and preserve national security,” the statement read.

It added, “We commend President Tinubu for providing the leadership and support necessary for our security agencies to carry out their mandate effectively. We also congratulate the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies and every stakeholder whose collective efforts made this successful operation possible.”

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The institute said the operation highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security institutions, intelligence agencies and local communities in tackling the country’s evolving security challenges.

While celebrating the rescue, the IPCR stressed the need to strengthen preventive measures to protect schools, communities and other vulnerable public institutions from criminal attacks.

It observed that attacks on educational institutions had far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate victims, creating fear among parents, disrupting learning and undermining national development.

The institute maintained that ensuring the safety of schools remained critical to achieving quality education, social stability and sustainable development, adding that every Nigerian child deserved to learn in a safe and peaceful environment.

The IPCR called on governments at all levels to strengthen security around educational institutions through improved surveillance, early warning systems, intelligence gathering and stronger partnerships with host communities.

It also advocated increased investment in intelligence-driven operations and rapid response capabilities to prevent future incidents.

The institute further emphasised that peacebuilding should complement security operations, noting that lasting peace could only be achieved by addressing the root causes of violent crime, including poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and weak community engagement.

It urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women’s groups, civil society organisations and community leaders to support the government and security agencies through information sharing, dialogue and initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence and prevent criminal activities.