…..demands stronger security operations
The Senate commended President Tinubu’s commitment to tackling insecurity and assured that it would continue to support policies and initiatives aimed at restoring peace and security across the country.
By Onwuka Mmesoma
365Daily – Lawmakers have commended President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies for the successful rescue of 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers in Oyo State.
This is just as it urged the President Tinubu government to intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
This followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and co sponsored by all senators during plenary.
The lawmakers urged the Federal Government to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces by providing modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, improved intelligence gathering, better logistics and enhanced welfare packages for security personnel.
They also stressed that the momentum against insecurity must be sustained until Nigerians can live, work, do business and attend school without fear.
Going further, the Red Chamber called for the prompt payment of death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other statutory entitlements to the families of security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
It further advocated continuous investment in the welfare, training and operational readiness of the nation’s security agencies.
Moving the motion, Senator Bamidele praised President Tinubu’s swift response to the abduction of the pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.
He noted that the President directed security agencies to deploy every lawful means necessary to secure their safe release.
According to him, after more than 50 days of intelligence driven operations, security forces rescued all 46 victims on July 10, arrested eight suspected terrorists and neutralised several others.
Bamidele described the operation as a significant boost to public confidence in the nation’s security institutions and a demonstration of the professionalism and commitment of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He paid tribute to Lt. F. A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa of the Nigerian Army’s 81 Battalion, and Sgt. Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force, who lost their lives during the rescue operation.
The Senate also recognised Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the 81 Battalion, who sustained injuries during the operation, urging the relevant authorities to provide him with quality medical care and ensure he receives all his welfare entitlements.
Lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen security personnel and extended condolences to their families, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the wider security community.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari commended the Federal Government and the military for the successful rescue, describing it as a victory for the nation.
Also, Senator Adamu Aliero urged security agencies to sustain the offensive against criminal groups and intensify efforts to rescue other victims still in captivity, particularly in Borno and Yobe states.
In addition, Senator Adams Oshiomhole criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction, arguing that such a move could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and the efforts of its security institutions.
Similarly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan called on the Federal Government to provide trauma counselling, psychological support and rehabilitation for the rescued pupils and teachers to aid their recovery.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, commended President Tinubu’s commitment to tackling insecurity and assured that the Senate would continue to support policies and initiatives aimed at restoring peace and security across the country.