The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the country’s security agencies over the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Agbese, a Labour Party lawmaker, described the operation as a defining moment in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, the lawmaker said the rescue had restored public confidence in the country’s security architecture and demonstrated that criminal groups would no longer determine Nigeria’s security narrative.
He congratulated Tinubu; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the service chiefs; the Nigeria Police Force; the Department of State Services; and other agencies involved in the operation.
According to him, the rescue reflected improved intelligence gathering, professionalism and cooperation among the security agencies.
“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.”
The lawmaker said the Oriire rescue came amid other successful military operations across different parts of the country.
He cited recent operations by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in Zamfara and Katsina states, where the military reportedly disrupted planned attacks, neutralised a suspected terrorist commander and recovered weapons and operational equipment.
Agbese also referred to an air operation in which about 300 suspected terrorists travelling on motorcycles were reportedly intercepted before they could attack 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 said.
He added that recent security operations had resulted in the rescue of kidnapped victims, dismantling of criminal camps, killing of high-profile commanders and recovery of weapons.
Agbese described the recent gains as evidence of increasingly effective intelligence-led operations.
“What we are witnessing today is an uncommon masterclass in intelligence-driven security operations,” he said.
“From rescuing captives and preventing coordinated attacks to dismantling criminal enclaves and denying terrorists freedom of movement, our armed forces and security agencies have continued to exceed expectations.”
The lawmaker said the consistency of the operations should reassure Nigerians that security agencies remained committed to protecting lives and restoring peace.
Agbese urged Nigerians to support the military, police and intelligence agencies by providing credible and timely information.
He also asked communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel to prevent attacks and sustain the gains already recorded.
Addressing armed groups, the lawmaker urged them to surrender.
“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,” he said.
“The operational momentum is no longer in your favour. Every successful rescue, every terrorist commander neutralised and every criminal network dismantled brings Nigeria closer to lasting peace.”
