The Coalition of Civil Rights Groups on Security Sector Reforms (CCRGSR) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the rescue of kidnap victims in Oriire, Oyo State, while calling on the Federal Government to sustain investments in modern security equipment and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to tackle insecurity.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the coalition’s spokesperson, Emmanuel Agabi, described the rescue operation as a significant achievement in the country’s fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

 

According to the group, the operation, which resulted in the rescue of 44 abducted pupils and teachers, reflected improved coordination among the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.

Agabi said the coalition was particularly encouraged by what it described as increased synergy in joint security operations under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede.

 

“We gather not merely to acknowledge isolated incidents, but to appraise significant milestones in our collective fight against insecurity, including the successful rescue of the Oriire kidnap victims in Oyo State,” he said.

 

The coalition praised members of the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force for their roles in the operation, noting that the rescue demonstrated the benefits of intelligence sharing and coordinated action among security agencies.

 

It also expressed condolences to security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, describing their sacrifice as a testament to the commitment of the nation’s security forces.

 

While commending President Tinubu for supporting reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, the group urged the administration to build on the progress by investing more in modern security technology and operational capacity.

 

According to the coalition, improved surveillance systems, intelligence-gathering tools, communication infrastructure and other modern security equipment would enhance the ability of security agencies to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

 

The group also advocated sustained training for security personnel, stronger civil-military relations and closer collaboration with communities in the fight against crime.

 

Agabi called on the Nigeria Police Force to deepen community policing initiatives, strengthen forensic and investigative capabilities and expand partnerships with local security stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and crime prevention.

 

He said tackling insecurity required sustained cooperation among federal and state institutions, security agencies and citizens, adding that recent operations in different parts of the country demonstrated the value of coordinated responses to criminal activities.

 

The coalition reaffirmed its readiness to support government efforts aimed at improving security sector reforms and promoting public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

 

It expressed optimism that continued investment in personnel, technology and inter-agency cooperation would further strengthen the country’s capacity to combat kidnapping, banditry and other security threats.