Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has commended President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria's security agencies for the successful rescue of teachers and pupils abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a major victory in the country's fight against insecurity.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Agbese said the rescue operation had restored public confidence in Nigeria's security architecture and demonstrated the country's renewed determination to confront terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes through coordinated security operations.
The lawmaker congratulated President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, the service chiefs, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies for what he described as a display of professionalism, intelligence gathering and effective inter-agency collaboration.
According to Agbese, the successful rescue sends a strong message that criminal groups can no longer dictate Nigeria's security narrative or operate without facing determined resistance from the nation's security institutions.
He argued that the operation demonstrated the government's commitment to protecting lives and restoring public safety across the country.
The Benue lawmaker further stated that the achievement reflected the growing effectiveness of the Federal Government's security strategy, noting that recent military operations have continued to disrupt terrorist activities and dismantle criminal networks in different parts of Nigeria.
Agbese also referenced recent operations carried out by Operation Fansan Yamma, which he said successfully foiled coordinated terrorist attacks in Zamfara and Katsina states, neutralised a notorious terrorist commander, recovered weapons and intercepted hundreds of armed terrorists before they could attack vulnerable communities.
He maintained that these operations were not isolated successes but evidence that the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies had increasingly taken the initiative against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers through intelligence-driven operations and improved collaboration.
The lawmaker added that the rescue of the abducted teachers and pupils had improved Nigeria's image internationally by demonstrating that the country possesses the capacity and resolve to protect its citizens and respond effectively to security threats.
He expressed confidence that continued support for security agencies would further strengthen peace and stability nationwide.
The rescue operation has been widely welcomed by government officials and members of the public, with many expressing relief over the safe return of the victims and urging the authorities to sustain ongoing security efforts aimed at protecting schools, communities and other vulnerable locations across Nigeria.