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The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has commended the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, security agencies, and local security outfits for the successful rescue of teachers and pupils abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims, who were kidnapped by armed assailants from three schools in the Ahoro-Esinle/Yawota communities in Ogbomoso, regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Adams described the rescue as a major security success made possible through effective collaboration among federal and state authorities, conventional security agencies and community-based security groups.
He said the operation reinforces the need for sustained cooperation among all stakeholders in tackling insecurity across the country.
According to Adams, the coordinated rescue effort reflects the collaborative security approach he has consistently advocated.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, disclosed that the operation involved personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and operatives of the Amotekun Corps.
Adams applauded the Federal Government for its intervention, especially the deployment of a high-level delegation led by the National Security Adviser to coordinate the rescue mission.
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He also praised the Oyo State Government for its proactive response and close collaboration with the Federal Government and security agencies, describing the partnership as a model worthy of emulation.
The Yoruba leader further acknowledged the courage and commitment of the Amotekun Corps, vigilante groups and members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), noting that their knowledge of the local terrain played a crucial role in tracking the abductors and securing the victims’ release.
He particularly commended the Oyo State Government’s Integrated Security Concept, which brings together the military, police, DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun, OPC, Vigilante, Agbekoya and Soludero groups in a unified security framework.
According to him, the successful rescue operation demonstrates the effectiveness of synergy among conventional and community-based security organisations.
Adams also welcomed the Federal Government’s approval for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in partnership with the Oyo State Government and the proposed establishment of a military base in the area, describing both initiatives as strategic measures to strengthen security and prevent future attacks.
He, however, urged governments at all levels to intensify efforts to prevent a recurrence of such incidents by investing more in intelligence gathering, community policing and critical infrastructure in vulnerable communities.
