The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider establishing a Special Presidential Security Task Force on Banditry and Kidnapping, following the safe recovery of 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State.
The organisation made the call in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, commending the Federal Government for what it described as a strategic, coordinated and non-violent resolution of the incident.
According to the NDYC, the peaceful rescue of the students stands as a testament to what focused leadership and well-managed intelligence operations can achieve at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with rising insecurity.
The group commended President Tinubu for the judgement displayed in assigning the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, to oversee the delicate recovery mission, noting that the President’s decision reflected a deep understanding of the country’s security architecture.
Uwejeyan said the President’s intervention demonstrated “discernment, foresight and an unwavering commitment to the protection of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens,” emphasising that the success of the operation has renewed public confidence in the government’s ability to combat national security threats.
The NDYC also lauded Dr. Matawalle for what it described as exemplary conduct throughout the rescue operation.
The group noted that the minister’s calm diplomacy, strategic engagement with key actors and discreet management of intelligence channels were central to ensuring the girls’ release without confrontation or casualties.
According to the statement, Matawalle’s approach reaffirmed his reputation as a capable and dependable security manager, able to navigate complex negotiations while maintaining restraint and precision.
The NDYC called on President Tinubu to formalise a coordinated national response to the growing menace of kidnapping and banditry through the creation of a Special Presidential Security Task Force.
The group argued that placing Dr. Matawalle at the helm of such a task force would provide Nigeria with the strong oversight, operational cohesion and rapid-response capability required to dismantle criminal networks and restore security to affected communities.
The organisation also acknowledged the contributions of security agencies, traditional rulers, community intelligence units and local stakeholders whose cooperation helped secure the positive outcome. It applauded the resilience of the rescued schoolgirls and expressed relief on behalf of their families.
According to the NDYC, the success of the operation is a reminder that Nigeria can overcome its most pressing security challenges when leadership is decisive and collaboration is prioritised.
The group urged the Federal Government to sustain the momentum and ensure that similar interventions are carried out across other regions facing security threats.
