APPMEN Hails Rescue of Oyo Schoolchildren, Urges Tinubu to Fast-Track State Police
Oru Leonard
The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria (APPMEN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s armed forces for the successful rescue of the Oyo State schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted and regained their freedom on Saturday.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the association described the operation as a demonstration that strong political leadership, backed by coordinated military action, can effectively confront insecurity across the country.
APPMEN praised the military, intelligence operatives and other security agencies for what it called their courage, professionalism and sacrifice in ensuring the safe return of the victims to their families.
The association, however, urged the Federal Government not to relent, stressing that the successful rescue should mark the beginning of sustained nationwide operations against kidnappers, bandits, terrorists and other criminal groups.
According to APPMEN, Nigeria must move beyond isolated victories to a comprehensive security strategy that dismantles criminal enclaves and secures every part of the country.
A key recommendation by the association is the full operationalisation of state police, arguing that properly funded, trained and equipped state policing would strengthen local intelligence gathering and provide rapid response capabilities against criminal activities.
APPMEN also called for tighter border security through the deployment of surveillance drones, biometric border control systems and joint military-border patrols to curb the influx of arms and criminal elements into the country.
The association further advocated sustained air and ground offensives, enhanced intelligence sharing among security agencies, and the elimination of safe havens for criminal groups operating across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-West and other flashpoints.
Other proposals include strengthening community-based security through collaboration with vigilantes and hunters, establishing a national real-time database for kidnapping and missing persons, disrupting the financing of criminal networks, and improving security infrastructure in schools through fencing, CCTV surveillance and emergency response systems.
APPMEN also called for a nationwide media-driven campaign to promote patriotism, encourage whistleblowing and rebuild public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
Reaffirming its commitment to national development, the association pledged to continue supporting government efforts through responsible journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement aimed at promoting peace and security across Nigeria.
