A civil society coalition has publicly commended Nigeria's military and police for freeing 44 abducted pupils and teachers from captivity in Oriire, Oyo State, describing the operation as a significant turning point in the fight against kidnapping.
Press Conference in Abuja
Emmanuel Agabi, spokesperson for the Coalition of Civil Rights Groups on Security Sector Reforms (CCRGSR), addressed a press conference in Abuja on Monday, July 20, 2026. He stated that the group gathered 'not merely to acknowledge isolated incidents, but to appraise significant milestones in our collective fight against insecurity: the successful rescue of the Oriire kidnap victims in Oyo state.'
The rescue was completed around July 10, 2026, bringing all victims home safely after they were first abducted in May 2026.
General Oluyede Praised for Joint Operations
The coalition reserved its strongest praise for Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, crediting him with reshaping how Nigeria's military branches work together. Agabi said the general had 'masterfully orchestrated a paradigm shift where the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other services view themselves as equal partners in a unified command structure.'
The group described the mission as a professional achievement carried out across difficult forest terrain, while also acknowledging the deaths of some military personnel during the operation. 'To the families of the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price, we extend our deepest condolences,' Agabi said.
The Nigeria Police Force was also recognised for its ground support, investigative work, and community liaison roles during the rescue.
Continued Security Reforms Urged
Despite the celebratory tone, the group urged the government to keep investing in equipment upgrades, better civil-military relations, and stronger community policing, warning that ungoverned spaces remain a persistent risk. President Bola Tinubu was praised for what the coalition described as a whole-of-government approach to security.
'We commend President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to fortifying Nigeria's security architecture,' Agabi said, adding that the president's policy direction had 'yielded tangible results.'
The coalition charged the Nigeria Police Force to go further by deepening forensic capacity and building stronger ties with local vigilante networks. Agabi closed with a call to action: 'We stand ready to partner in building a safer, more secure Nigeria where every citizen can thrive without fear.'
Broader Security Context
The coalition noted that similar operations across multiple states had led to the neutralisation of bandit groups, recovery of stolen arms and livestock, and the release of other hostages. Previously, the Kogi state government announced the successful rescue of four persons, including an official of the National Examination Council (NECO), who were abducted in an attack on an examination centre in Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area.
