The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) has commended the Federal Government and security agencies for the successful rescue of 44 abducted pupils, students and teachers in Oyo State, while urging authorities to replicate the intelligence-driven operation to secure the freedom of other Nigerians still in captivity, particularly the students abducted from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, Borno State.
In a statement signed on Monday by its Chairman, Sola Akingboye, the association described the operation as a clear demonstration that Nigeria has the capacity to defeat kidnapping and other violent crimes through effective intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and sustained security operations.
ACOE praised President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), other security agencies and members of the local communities for the operation, which secured the victims’ release after 56 days in captivity.
The association said the successful rescue had renewed public confidence in the nation’s security architecture and should serve as a template for similar operations across the country.
“The successful rescue of the abducted pupils, students and teachers in Oyo State has shown that with determination, professionalism and actionable intelligence, Nigeria can defeat kidnapping and other forms of criminality and restore hope to victims’ families,” Akingboye said.
He called on the Federal Government to sustain the momentum by prioritising the rescue of other abductees, especially the students kidnapped from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, alongside countless other victims still being held by criminal groups.
“It is important that this success is not treated as an isolated achievement. Every Nigerian life is precious, and every family waiting for the return of a loved one deserves the same level of commitment that brought the Oyo victims home safely,” he added.
ACOE noted that the operation had strengthened public confidence in the country’s ability to significantly reduce insecurity if intelligence-led operations remain consistent and receive sustained support.
The association stressed that a secure environment is fundamental to national development, noting that citizens should be able to travel, work, farm and go about their daily activities without fear, while children must be able to attend school in safety.
“No nation can make meaningful progress when its citizens live in fear or when parents are uncertain whether their children will return safely from school. Security remains the foundation upon which every other aspect of national development depends,” Akingboye stated.
The association also paid tribute to security personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice during the rescue mission, particularly 28-year-old Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac of the Nigerian Army, who died while leading the initial assault team in the Old Oyo National Park.
“We honour the courage and sacrifice of Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac and every security operative who risked or gave their lives to secure the freedom of innocent Nigerians. Their patriotism deserves the gratitude and support of the entire nation,” the statement said.
ACOE urged the Federal Government to deepen investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, inter-agency collaboration and community-based policing, while improving the welfare, equipment and operational support available to security personnel.
The association recalled that the successful rescue came shortly after its public appeal to the Federal Government to secure the release of the Oyo victims and other abducted Nigerians.
While expressing satisfaction that the appeal contributed to renewed attention on the matter, ACOE maintained that the mission would only be complete when every Nigerian held by kidnappers and terrorists regains freedom.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen national security and pledged to continue advocating for justice, transparency and the protection of lives across the country.
