Deputy House spokesperson Philip Agbese has praised President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria's security chiefs for the successful rescue of all abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo state. Describing the operation as a defining moment in Nigeria's battle against insecurity, Agbese credited the administration with restoring national pride on the global stage.
Agbese Hails Inter-Agency Coordination
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, July 12, the Labour Party lawmaker extended congratulations to President Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, service chiefs, police, Department of State Services, and all involved agencies. He highlighted their inter-agency coordination and professionalism as central to the successful outcome.
"The rescue of every pupil and teacher abducted in Oriire is far more than the successful conclusion of a security operation. It is a powerful statement that Nigeria is rising above those who seek to define us by violence and fear," Agbese said.
"President Bola Tinubu, our security chiefs and the gallant men and women of our armed forces have restored our glory before the world by proving that no Nigerian life is expendable and that our nation has both the capacity and the resolve to confront criminality head-on."
Broader Security Gains Cited
Agbese placed the Oriire rescue within a wider pattern of recent military successes, specifically pointing to Operation FANSAN YAMMA. According to Agbese, this operation foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara and Katsina States, neutralised a notorious terrorist commander, and intercepted approximately 300 terrorists advancing on motorcycles before they could reach civilian communities.
"These are not isolated victories; they are clear evidence of a military that has seized the initiative and is relentlessly taking the battle to the enemies of our country," he declared.
The combined effect of these operations, including dismantling terrorist camps, recovering weapons, and rescuing kidnapping victims, demonstrates that Nigeria's security forces are gaining consistent ground against criminal networks, Agbese added.
"What we are witnessing today is an uncommon masterclass in intelligence-driven security operations," he said, urging Nigerians to support the military by providing timely and credible intelligence.
Message to Terrorists
The lawmaker directed a message at those still evading capture: "To every insurgent, bandit and terrorist still hiding in forests and remote enclaves across our country, my message is simple: surrender now before it is too late. The operational momentum is no longer in your favour."
Agbese expressed confidence that sustained political backing for the armed forces, combined with deeper collaboration across security agencies, would deliver further successes in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping across Nigeria.
