The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has described the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State as a major victory for Nigeria’s security forces, saying the operation validates the Federal Government’s intelligence-led and inter-agency security strategy.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, the Forum said the safe recovery of the victims after 56 days in captivity, without the payment of ransom or loss of innocent lives, demonstrated the professionalism and operational effectiveness of the security agencies involved.
According to the Forum, the arrest of eight suspected abductors and the neutralisation of other terrorists underscored the Tinubu administration’s determination to rescue victims while ensuring those responsible for violent crimes are brought to justice.
TSF said the operation highlighted the effectiveness of sustained intelligence gathering, unified command, inter-agency collaboration and coordinated operational pressure in tackling complex security threats while prioritising the safety of citizens.
It further argued that the successful rescue without ransom payment reinforced the Federal Government’s policy that terrorists, bandits and kidnappers must not profit from abducting innocent Nigerians.
The Forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the leadership that enabled the country’s security architecture to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
It also praised the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, personnel of the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other security and intelligence agencies for their roles in the operation.
TSF equally lauded the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government and security agencies throughout the rescue mission, stressing that effective collaboration between federal and state authorities remains critical to addressing insecurity.
The Forum, however, criticised individuals it described as “pseudo-activists” for spreading unverified claims that the abducted pupils and teachers had been moved to northern Nigeria.
According to TSF, the rescue of the victims from the Old Oyo National Park forest exposed the claims as false and demonstrated the dangers of speculation and divisive narratives during sensitive security operations.
It warned that misinformation capable of fuelling fear, regional suspicion and undermining public confidence in rescue efforts should be avoided, urging activists, politicians, commentators and media practitioners to verify sensitive information before presenting it as fact.
The Forum welcomed President Tinubu’s directive to relevant emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government in providing medical treatment, psychosocial support and other assistance to the rescued victims before their reintegration with their families and communities.
TSF also backed the President’s commitment to ensuring justice for the rescued victims and the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed during the abduction, calling for a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution of all those involved.
The Forum urged both the Federal Government and state governments to build on the lessons from the operation by strengthening intelligence sharing, improving security around schools and vulnerable communities, and sustaining coordinated efforts against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups across the country.
It described the successful rescue as a victory for the victims’ families, Nigeria’s security forces and the nation, saying it sent a strong message that the Nigerian state will relentlessly pursue criminals, rescue victims and refuse to make kidnapping a profitable enterprise through ransom payments.
