The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) has called upon the Federal Government to replicate the intelligence-driven strategy that led to the successful rescue of 44 abducted pupils, students, and teachers in Oyo State.
This appeal comes with an urgent plea to extend the same commitment to other Nigerians still held captive, particularly the students from Govt Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Borno State.
In a statement released on Monday, ACOE Chairman Sola Akingboye lauded the successful Oyo operation as a testament to Nigeria’s capacity to combat kidnapping and other violent
crimes.
The association highlighted that effective intelligence gathering, seamless coordination among security agencies, and sustained operations were the cornerstones of this victory, which saw the victims regain their freedom after 56 harrowing days in captivity.
ACOE commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local communities for their roles in the rescue.
This triumph, according to the association, has not only renewed public confidence in the nation’s security architecture but also established a crucial model for future operations across the country.
“The successful rescue of the abducted pupils, students and teachers in Oyo State has shown that with determination, professionalism, actionable intelligence, Nigeria can defeat kidnapping and other forms of criminality and restore hope to victims’ families,” Akingboye stated.
He urged the government to maintain this momentum, prioritizing the liberation of all remaining abductees. Emphasizing that “Every Nigerian life is precious,” Akingboye stressed the importance of not treating this success as an isolated incident.
He called for the same level of unwavering commitment to be extended to every family awaiting the return of a loved one.
The association underscored that a secure environment is fundamental for national development, asserting that citizens must be able to live, work, and learn without fear.
“No nation can make meaningful progress when its citizens live in fear or when parents are uncertain whether their children will return safely from school. Security remains the foundation upon which every other aspect of national development depends,” Akingboye affirmed.
ACOE also paid a solemn tribute to the security personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice during the rescue mission, specifically honoring Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac, a 28-yearold Nigerian Army officer who fell while leading the initial assault team 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 read.
To further bolster national security, ACOE urged the Federal Government to continue investing in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, inter-agency collaboration, and community- based policing.
The association also called for improved welfare, equipment, and operational support for security personnel.
While celebrating the positive outcome of their earlier appeal for the Oyo victims, ACOE reiterated that the mission remains incomplete until every Nigerian held by kidnappers and terrorists is free.
