The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has urged President Bola Tinubu to confer the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, on the country’s top military leadership in recognition of recent security successes in Oyo and Borno states.

Agbese made the appeal during The State of Affairs gathering with security experts, professionals and security advocates in Abuja on Sunday, following the successful rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and the foiling of an attempted mass abduction of students in Monguno, Borno State.

The lawmaker, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State and serves as the Labour Party leader in the state, said the recent operations reflected improved coordination, professionalism and operational effectiveness by the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

He noted that the rescue of the Oriire victims after 56 days in captivity, alongside the swift military response that prevented the abduction of students in Monguno, demonstrated the growing capacity of the nation’s security architecture to respond to emerging threats.

“The successful resolution of the Oriire abduction after 56 days in captivity and the decisive intervention in Monguno demonstrate the growing effectiveness of our security apparatus under your leadership,” Agbese said.

“Our Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and other principal military officers deserve the prestigious GCON honours for restoring hope to families and protecting the future of our children. These achievements merit national recognition.”

On Sunday, suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly attempted to attack the Federal Government Girls College in Monguno, Borno State, where students of a polytechnic institution were temporarily accommodated.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, forcing them to retreat without abducting any of the 46 students at the facility.

Although all the students were successfully evacuated to safety at Kinnasara Barracks, stray bullets reportedly injured some persons during the exchange of fire. Security authorities have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing terrorists while investigations continue into alleged local collaborators.

Commending the troops, Agbese described the operation as evidence of the military’s heightened vigilance and rapid response capability.

“Today’s operation in Monguno is a clear demonstration of the Army’s vigilance and rapid response capability. By foiling the abduction of these girls, our troops have prevented another national tragedy.
“I salute the gallant officers and men who risked their lives. Their professionalism under Operation HADIN KAI should inspire confidence across the Northeast and the entire country,” he said.

He also praised security agencies for securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15. The victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity following what security officials described as a coordinated intelligence-led operation.

“The safe return of the Oriire victims remains a victory worth celebrating. It shows what coordinated intelligence and military efforts can achieve,” he stated.
Agbese argued that recognising exceptional service within the armed forces would boost troop morale and reinforce public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.

“As a member of the opposition, I believe in giving credit where it is due. Honouring our security chiefs with GCON will boost morale and signal that excellence in protecting Nigerians transcends partisan lines,” he added.

The lawmaker further called on the Federal Government to sustain investments in modern military equipment, intelligence gathering and the welfare of security personnel to consolidate recent gains against insurgency, banditry and other security threats.

“Mr President, let this be the beginning of greater collaboration. Nigerian parents and students deserve nothing less than absolute safety in their schools and communities.

“The heroes who delivered these results must be celebrated. GCON for our security leadership is a fitting tribute to their service and sacrifice,” Agbese said.

He maintained that honouring the country’s military leadership at a time of renewed security successes would send a strong message that courage, professionalism and dedication in safeguarding the nation are recognised and rewarded.