The Institute of Security Nigeria (ISN) has applauded the Nigerian Armed Forces, security agencies, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over the successful rescue of abducted pupils, teachers and their principal from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a landmark victory for intelligence-driven security operations.
In an endorsement statement dated July 13, 2026, the Institute said the rescue demonstrated what coordinated security operations could achieve when backed by strategic leadership, inter-agency collaboration and actionable intelligence.
The Institute commended the Nigerian Army 2 Division, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Defence Headquarters, and collaborating agencies including the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service Intelligence, local vigilantes, hunters and the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps) for their roles in the operation.
According to the statement, the successful rescue of the abducted victims validated the effectiveness of intelligence-led planning and joint security operations in restoring public confidence.
Buratai: Operation Shows Power of Intelligence and Jointness
The Institute highlighted remarks by its Patron and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd.), who described the operation as evidence that terrorism can be defeated through patience, intelligence gathering and effective inter-agency cooperation.
Buratai stated that terrorists and kidnappers thrive where security agencies operate in isolation or respond too slowly.
According to him, the Oriire operation provides a clear template for future counter-terrorism operations by focusing on identifying criminal kingpins, dismantling their logistics networks and sustaining overwhelming operational pressure.
He also urged security agencies and local communities to adopt proactive, population-centred security measures capable of denying criminals safe havens, particularly within forested areas such as the Old Oyo National Park.
Defence Minister Reaffirms Government’s Commitment
The Institute also referenced comments by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the Armed Forces and other security agencies with the resources, political support and strategic guidance required to defeat terrorism, insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.
According to the statement, the Minister said the Oyo rescue demonstrated that no criminal group could hold Nigerian children hostage when security forces are adequately equipped, properly coordinated and supported by citizens.
He also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty while extending condolences to their families.
Former CDS Calls for Preventive Security
The Institute further cited the views of a former Chief of Defence Staff, who said the strategy deployed in Oyo, combining Special Forces precision, intelligence fusion and community partnership, should become Nigeria’s national security model.
According to him, Nigeria must move from reactive rescue operations to preventive security by strengthening early warning systems around schools, improving forest security and disrupting the financial and communication networks of kidnapping gangs.
He expressed optimism that terrorists would increasingly lose their operational freedom in Nigeria’s forests.
Institute Identifies Four Lessons
The Institute said the Oriire operation reinforces four major security principles:
Intelligence must remain the foundation of security operations.
Inter-agency collaboration is essential for defeating asymmetric threats.
Community participation through local vigilantes and hunters remains critical.
Schools require stronger security protection because attacks on educational institutions threaten Nigeria’s future.
The Institute therefore urged the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to sustain the momentum by expanding security education in schools, strengthening forest policing and improving the welfare of security personnel.
It also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic leadership and to Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting efforts that led to the successful rescue.
