Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has praised President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security chiefs for the successful rescue of all teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the Labour Party lawmaker said the operation had restored public confidence in the country’s security architecture and sent a strong message that terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups would no longer dictate Nigeria’s security narrative.

Agbese congratulated President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, the service chiefs, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for what he described as an outstanding display of professionalism, intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.

He said the rescue reflected the growing effectiveness of the administration’s security strategy and the determination of the armed forces to pursue criminal elements wherever they operate.

“The rescue of every pupil and teacher abducted in Oriire is far more than the successful conclusion of a security operation. It is a powerful statement that Nigeria is rising above those who seek to define us by violence and fear,” Agbese said.

“President Bola Tinubu, our security chiefs and the gallant men and women of our armed forces have restored our glory before the world by proving that no Nigerian life is expendable and that our nation has both the capacity and the resolve to confront criminality head-on.”

The lawmaker noted that the operation came amid a series of successful military offensives across different theatres, which he said showed that security forces were steadily gaining the upper hand against terrorists and bandits.

He cited recent operations by Operation Fansan Yamma, which, according to him, foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara and Katsina states, neutralised a notorious terrorist commander, recovered weapons and ammunition, and, through coordinated air operations, intercepted about 300 terrorists advancing on motorcycles before they could attack communities.

“These are not isolated victories; they are clear evidence of a military that has seized the initiative and is relentlessly taking the battle to the enemies of our country,” he said.

Agbese added that recent military operations had also led to the rescue of numerous kidnap victims, the destruction of terrorist camps, the elimination of high-profile commanders and the recovery of weapons used in criminal activities.

According to him, the consistency of these operations should reassure Nigerians of the commitment of the country’s security institutions to protecting lives and restoring peace nationwide.

“What we are witnessing today is an uncommon masterclass in intelligence-driven security operations. From rescuing captives and preventing coordinated attacks to dismantling criminal enclaves and denying terrorists freedom of movement, our armed forces and security agencies have continued to exceed expectations,” he said.

“They have demonstrated beyond doubt that Nigeria will never again be taken for granted by those who thrive on violence.”

The lawmaker urged Nigerians to continue supporting the military and other security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations.
He also called on communities across the country to remain vigilant and cooperate closely with security agencies to sustain recent gains.

“To every insurgent, bandit and terrorist still hiding in forests and remote enclaves across our country, my message is simple: surrender now before it is too late. The operational momentum is no longer in your favour,” he said.

Agbese expressed confidence that with sustained political support for the armed forces and continued collaboration among security agencies, Nigeria would record even greater successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping while restoring lasting peace across the country.