OYO SCHOOL RESCUE VALIDATES TINUBU'S INTELLIGENCE-LED SECURITY STRATEGY, REINFORCES NO-RANSOM POLICY — TSF

OYO SCHOOL RESCUE VALIDATES TINUBU'S INTELLIGENCE-LED SECURITY STRATEGY, REINFORCES NO-RANSOM POLICY — TSF

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 and a strong validation of the Federal Government's intelligence-led, inter-agency strategy in combating terrorism and kidnapping.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, the Forum said the safe recovery of the pupils and their teachers after 56 days in captivity, without the payment of ransom or loss of innocent lives during the operation, underscored the professionalism, coordination and operational efficiency of the security agencies involved.

According to the statement:

*"We also note that the arrest of eight suspected abductors and the neutralisation of other terrorists further demonstrate the resolve of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rescue victims while ensuring that those who threaten the lives and security of Nigerians are brought to justice.

"For us, the successful rescue operation is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of sustained intelligence gathering, unified command, inter-agency collaboration and sustained operational pressure in addressing complex security threats while prioritising the safety of innocent citizens.

"The fact that the victims were rescued without the payment of ransom reinforces the Federal Government's policy that terrorists, bandits and kidnappers must never be allowed to profit from the abduction of innocent Nigerians."*

The Forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the leadership needed to mobilise Nigeria's security architecture towards the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.

It also praised the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other security and intelligence agencies whose coordinated efforts made the rescue operation possible.

TSF further applauded the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government and security agencies throughout the operation, noting that effective federal-state collaboration remains indispensable in addressing security challenges and protecting communities.

The Forum, however, condemned individuals it said masqueraded as activists by circulating false and unverified claims that the abducted pupils and teachers had been moved to northern Nigeria.

*"The rescue of the victims from the Old Oyo National Park forest has exposed those widely circulated claims as false and has highlighted the dangers of speculation, sensationalism and divisive regional narratives during sensitive security operations.

"The attempt to inject unsupported regional narratives into the abduction of innocent children was reckless and irresponsible. Such misinformation had the potential to spread fear, inflame regional tensions and undermine public confidence in ongoing rescue efforts.

"Activism must be anchored on truth, responsibility and the public interest. Those who hurriedly informed Nigerians that the abducted pupils and teachers had been taken to the North, without any credible evidence, owe the nation an explanation and an apology for circulating information that has now been proven to be false."*

The Forum urged activists, political actors, public commentators and media practitioners to verify sensitive information before presenting it as fact, stressing that while freedom of expression is fundamental, it must be exercised responsibly, particularly when lives are at stake and security operations are ongoing.

TSF also welcomed President Tinubu's directive to relevant emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government in providing the rescued pupils and teachers with medical treatment, psychosocial support and other necessary assistance before their reintegration into their families and communities.

The Forum further endorsed the President's commitment to ensuring justice for the rescued victims and the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed by the terrorists, stressing that the successful rescue should be followed by a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution of all those involved in the abduction.

It urged 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 action against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups across the country.

The Forum concluded:

"The safe return of the Oyo pupils and teachers is a victory for their families, Nigeria's security agencies and the nation as a whole. It sends a strong message that the Nigerian state will relentlessly pursue terrorists to rescue victims while refusing to make kidnapping a profitable enterprise through the payment of ransom."