Stop politicising security, GMI warns after Oyo rescue

From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja

The Grassroots Mobilisation Initiative (GMI) has applauded President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for the successful rescue of the abducted students and a teacher from Orire in Oyo, describing the operation as a major victory for coordinated security efforts.

In a statement yesterday, the group’s national coordinator, Samaila Musa, said the successful operation reflected effective leadership by the President and the professionalism of the nation’s security forces.

Musa also praised the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for providing strategic direction throughout the rescue mission.

“We salute the gallant officers drawn from various security agencies, who carefully planned the operation and risked their lives to ensure the victims were rescued alive and unharmed,” he said.

The group stressed that security operations should not be turned into social media spectacles, noting that intelligence gathering and rescue missions require confidentiality rather than public pressure.

According to Musa, demanding constant updates during sensitive operations could jeopardise the safety of both victims and security personnel.

He urged Nigerians to place national interest above politics, insisting that security challenges require unity and collective support.

GMI also challenged politicians, commentators and activists, who criticised the Federal Government during the abduction to publicly acknowledge the administration’s success following the rescue.

“In the spirit of patriotism, criticism should be balanced with praise whenever the government delivers on its responsibility of protecting lives,” Musa said.

He added that the successful operation had renewed public confidence in the government’s determination to tackle banditry and terrorism, saying it sends a strong signal that the Tinubu administration remains committed to dismantling criminal networks across the country.

The group congratulated the rescued students, their principal, teacher and families, while praying for their speedy rehabilitation and return to normal life.