The Coalition of Northern Groups has applauded the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, while urging the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the freedom of pupils kidnapped in Borno State.
The coalition said the Oyo operation demonstrated that coordinated security operations, intelligence-driven strategies and strong political will could produce meaningful results in tackling Nigeria’s growing insecurity.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the group commended the professionalism and bravery of security agencies, intelligence operatives and all personnel involved in the rescue mission.
According to the coalition, the successful operation has rekindled hope among Nigerians struggling with widespread insecurity and violent crimes across the country.
Charanchi, however, expressed concern that schoolchildren abducted in Borno State on the same day remained in captivity, stressing that every Nigerian child deserves equal protection irrespective of location, ethnicity, religion or social status.
He said, “We commend the gallantry and professionalism of the security agencies, intelligence services and all those whose efforts contributed to the safe recovery of the children.
“Their dedication offers a glimmer of hope to Nigerians amid ravaging insecurity and violence. While celebrating this success, CNG is deeply concerned that schoolchildren abducted in Borno State on the same day are yet to regain their freedom.
“Every Nigerian child deserves equal protection regardless of geography, ethnicity, religion or social status. The pain of parents in Borno is no less than that of parents in Oyo.”
The coalition called on the Federal Government to deploy the same urgency, intelligence-led operations and inter-agency collaboration that secured the release of the Oyo pupils towards rescuing the remaining abducted children in Borno.
It also lamented that thousands of Nigerians were still being held by kidnappers across the country, noting that communities in the North-West, North-East, North-Central and other regions continued to suffer recurring attacks, mass abductions and violent crimes.
The group insisted that the value of human life should never be determined by geography or the level of public attention given to any incident, maintaining that every kidnapped Nigerian deserves equal commitment from the authorities.
Charanchi further described the persistent attacks on schools as disturbing, saying educational institutions should remain centres of learning and hope rather than targets of criminal violence.
He urged governments at all levels to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance community policing, improve surveillance and provide adequate security for vulnerable schools.
The coalition also called on the government to sustain intelligence-led security operations, deepen collaboration among security agencies and address the underlying causes of insecurity, including poverty, youth unemployment, weak border controls and the proliferation of illicit arms.
According to the group, the rescue of the Oyo schoolchildren should not be seen as an isolated achievement but as evidence that determined and coordinated action can deliver results in the fight against kidnapping.
It reaffirmed its solidarity with the families of the abducted Borno pupils and other victims of kidnapping, expressing optimism that sustained security efforts would lead to their safe return.
“Nigeria’s security institutions have demonstrated that success is possible. The challenge now is to replicate this success consistently until no Nigerian remains in captivity,” Charanchi added.
