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Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force’s Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have said they approached the rescue of the 44 abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire, Oyo State, with the same dedication they would have shown if the victims were their own children.
The officers disclosed this on Friday during a meeting with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, following the successful joint rescue operation carried out alongside the military and other security agencies.
The operation, however, claimed the life of Sergeant John Jerome Mbena, while several other police personnel sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Commending the operatives, Disu paid tribute to the fallen officer and praised the rescue team for its professionalism, courage and commitment.
“We just finished prayers for the officer we lost in the Oyo State school abduction incident. You will recall that I called all of you here a few weeks ago and informed you that you would be joining other sister agencies on a very serious national assignment.
“I’m happy you went and made us proud. I received reports from the operation commander on the roles you played. I cannot thank you enough for your service to the nation.”
The IGP disclosed that the injured officers were responding well to treatment, assuring them that the Force would continue to provide medical support and welfare for both the injured personnel and the family of the slain officer.
“For the others who sustained injuries, we are happy they are recovering very fast.”
Disu also reiterated the importance of cooperation among security agencies and urged Nigerians to support ongoing efforts to combat insecurity by providing timely and credible intelligence.
“We have made up our minds to work together, train together and fight insecurity together.”
“We beg members of the public: if you see something, say something. Cooperate with the security agencies. The situation we have today requires everyone to work together. Give us information and help us prevent crime because the life you save may be your own.”
Speaking on behalf of the operatives, Superintendent of Police Mohammed Abduramaan said the team remained focused on ensuring the safe return of the abducted children throughout the mission.
“We didn’t look at them as victims. We looked at them as our own children. Every step we took was for the children.
“We are very happy that we successfully carried out the operation. We heard their cries, answered the call and succeeded. This is what we are trained to do. It is our job, and we are proud to do it.”
The rescue operation underscored the growing collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies in responding to kidnapping incidents, while also highlighting the sacrifices made by security personnel in the line of duty, including the loss of Sergeant Mbena and the injuries sustained by other officers.
