ABUJA – The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) has called on the Federal Government to adopt the intelligence-led strategy that secured the rescue of 44 abducted pupils, students and teachers in Oyo State to free other Nigerians still in captivity, particularly students abducted from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Borno State.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Chairman, Sola Akingboye, the association described the successful Oyo rescue operation as proof that Nigeria has the capacity to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes through effective intelligence gathering, coordinated security operations and sustained collaboration among security agencies.
ACOE commended President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), other security agencies and members of the local communities for their roles in securing the release of the victims after 56 days in captivity.
The association said the operation has renewed public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture and should serve as a model for future rescue missions across the country.
According to Akingboye, the operation demonstrated that with professionalism, determination and actionable intelligence, Nigeria can effectively confront kidnapping and restore hope to affected families.
He urged the Federal Government to sustain the momentum by prioritising the rescue of other abductees, especially the students kidnapped from Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Borno State, as well as other Nigerians still being held by criminal groups.
“It is important that this success is not treated as an isolated achievement. Every Nigerian life is precious, and every family waiting for the return of a loved one deserves the same level of commitment that brought the Oyo victims home safely,” he said.
The association noted that the successful operation has strengthened public belief that insecurity can be significantly reduced if intelligence-driven operations are consistently supported and adequately funded.
It stressed that a secure environment remains essential for national development, noting that citizens should be able to travel, work, farm and conduct their daily activities without fear, while children must be able to attend school safely.
ACOE also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission, particularly Lieutenant Felix Ademe Isaac of the Nigerian Army, who died while leading the initial assault team during the operation in the Old Oyo National Park.
The association described the fallen officer and other security operatives as national heroes whose sacrifice deserves the gratitude and continued support of Nigerians.
It further urged the Federal Government to strengthen investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, inter-agency collaboration, community policing and the welfare of security personnel.
According to ACOE, the rescue of the Oyo schoolchildren followed its earlier appeal to the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward securing their release and that of other kidnapped Nigerians.
While welcoming the successful outcome, the association maintained that the mission would only be complete when every Nigerian held by kidnappers and terrorists regains freedom.
ACOE reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies and initiatives that promote national security, justice, transparency and the protection of lives across the country.
