ACOE Hails Oyo Rescue, Calls for Freedom of All Kidnap Victims

The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) has called on the Federal Government to replicate the intelligence-driven strategy that led to the successful rescue of 44 abducted pupils, students, and teachers in Oyo State to secure the release of other Nigerians still in captivity, particularly the students abducted from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, Borno State.

The association said the successful operation demonstrates that Nigeria possesses the capacity to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes through effective intelligence gathering, strong inter-agency coordination, and sustained security operations.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Chairman, Sola Akingboye, ACOE commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), other security agencies, and members of the local communities for the successful operation, which secured the victims' freedom after 56 days in captivity.

According to the association, the rescue has renewed public confidence in Nigeria's security architecture and should serve as a model 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 while restoring hope to victims' families," Akingboye said.

He urged the government to sustain the momentum by prioritising the rescue of other abductees, especially the students seized from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, as well as countless other victims still being held by kidnappers and terrorists.

> "This success must not be 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 has reinforced public confidence that Nigeria can significantly reduce insecurity if intelligence-led operations are sustained, adequately funded, and consistently supported.

The association stressed that a secure environment is indispensable for national development, noting that citizens should be able to travel, work, farm, and carry out their daily activities without fear, while children must be able to attend school in safety.

> "No nation can achieve meaningful development when its citizens live in fear or when parents are uncertain whether their children will return safely from school. Security remains the bedrock upon which every other aspect of national development depends," Akingboye stated.

ACOE also paid glowing tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue operation, particularly Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac of the Nigerian Army, who reportedly died while leading the initial assault team during the mission in the Old Oyo National Park.

> "We honour the courage, patriotism, and ultimate sacrifice of Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac and every security operative who risked or gave their lives to secure the freedom of innocent Nigerians. Their selfless service deserves the gratitude, support, and lasting appreciation of the entire nation," the statement said.

The association further urged the Federal Government to continue investing in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, inter-agency collaboration, and community-based policing, while improving the welfare, equipment, training, and operational support available to security personnel.

ACOE recalled that the rescue of the schoolchildren and their teachers came shortly after the association's public appeal to the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward securing their release and that of other abducted Nigerians across the country.

While expressing satisfaction that the appeal has yielded a positive outcome, the association maintained that the mission would only be complete when every Nigerian held by kidnappers and terrorists regains freedom.

ACOE reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen national security and pledged to continue advocating for justice, transparency, accountability, and the protection of lives and property across Nigeria.