The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun State Joint Campus Council (JCC), has urged students and members of the public to support ongoing security operations aimed at rescuing students abducted in Ogun State, warning that protests at this stage could undermine efforts to secure their safe release.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Habeebullahi Adekunle Tijani, popularly known as Kennyology, the student body appealed to Nigerian students, student leaders and well-meaning citizens to remain calm, law-abiding and united in the wake of the incident.

NANS acknowledged the pain, anxiety and anger generated by the abduction but maintained that supporting security agencies rather than embarking on protests was the most effective way to ensure the victims regained their freedom.

“While we fully understand the pain, anger and anxiety that have greeted this disturbing incident, NANS Ogun JCC firmly believes that embarking on protests at this critical stage is not the most effective approach towards securing the safe release of the abducted students,” the statement read.

The association noted that the Ogun State Police Command had already commenced coordinated rescue operations and urged the public to avoid actions capable of heightening tension or distracting security personnel from their mission.

It called on citizens to provide useful information to security agencies while praying for the success of the rescue efforts.

NANS also lauded the Inspector-General of Police for reinforcing security architecture in Ogun State through the deployment of a police helicopter to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response operations.

According to the association, the deployment demonstrates the commitment of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to combating insecurity and improving public safety in the state.

The student body expressed optimism that the additional operational asset would strengthen ongoing rescue efforts and improve intelligence gathering.

It also lauded the Ogun State Commissioner of Police and other security personnel for their commitment to protecting lives and property, urging them to sustain and intensify operations until the abducted students are rescued unharmed.

The association also called for enhanced security around tertiary institutions and other vulnerable communities to prevent similar incidents.

Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and safety of Nigerian students, NANS said it would continue to engage constructively with government, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure campuses remain safe for learning.

The association stressed that unity, cooperation and confidence in security institutions would achieve more than actions capable of creating unnecessary tension.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the abducted students, their families and the entire academic community. We are confident that, through coordinated security efforts and collective support from all stakeholders, the students will be rescued safely,” the statement added.