ACOE Urges FG to Replicate Oyo Rescue Strategy to Free Borno Students, Other Kidnap Victims
Oru Leonard
The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) has called on the Federal Government to replicate the intelligence-driven security strategy that secured the release of 44 abducted pupils, students and teachers in Oyo State to rescue other Nigerians still in captivity, particularly students kidnapped from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Borno State.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Chairman, Sola Akingboye, the association commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), other security agencies and local communities for the successful operation, which freed the victims after 56 days in captivity.
ACOE described the rescue as a clear demonstration that Nigeria possesses the capability to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes through effective intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination and sustained security operations.
According to the association, the successful mission has renewed public confidence in the nation’s security architecture and should serve as a template for future rescue operations across the country.
“The successful rescue of the abducted pupils, students and teachers in Oyo State has shown that with determination, professionalism and actionable intelligence, Nigeria can defeat kidnapping and other forms of criminality and restore hope to victims’ families,” Akingboye stated.
The association urged the Federal Government to sustain the momentum by intensifying efforts to secure the release of other abductees, especially the students of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, and numerous other victims still being held by kidnappers.
“It is important that this success is not treated as an isolated achievement.
Every Nigerian life is precious, and every family waiting for the return of a loved one deserves the same level of commitment that brought the Oyo victims home safely,” the ACOE chairman said.
The editors noted that the operation had reinforced public belief that insecurity could be significantly reduced if intelligence-led operations remained consistent and received adequate government support.
ACOE stressed that security remains the bedrock of national development, saying Nigerians should be able to travel, work, farm and conduct their daily activities without fear, while children must be guaranteed safe access to education.
The association also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission, particularly 28-year-old Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac of the Nigerian Army, who reportedly died while leading the initial assault team during the operation in the Old Oyo National Park.
“We honour the courage and sacrifice of Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac and every security operative who risked or gave their lives to secure the freedom of innocent Nigerians. Their patriotism deserves the gratitude and support of the entire nation,” the statement added.
ACOE further called on the Federal Government to strengthen investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, inter-agency collaboration and community-based policing, while improving the welfare, equipment and operational support available to security personnel.
The association noted that the successful rescue followed its earlier public appeal urging the Federal Government to secure the freedom of the abducted schoolchildren and other Nigerians in captivity, expressing satisfaction that the appeal had yielded positive results.
However, ACOE maintained that the task would only be complete when every Nigerian held by kidnappers and terrorists is rescued, reaffirming its commitment to advocating justice, transparency, national security and the protection of lives.
