A non-Governmental Organization, the Inclusive Citizens Advancement Network (Inc-CAN) has lauded the Armed Forces of Nigeria, under Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, for successfully rescuing the remaining abducted students and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, saying that the rescue of all 230 abductees came at a time of festivities for many Nigerians.
The group endorsed the effective inter-agency coordination and synergy facilitated by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Nallam Nuhu Ribadu which supported the Armed Forces’ operations that culminated in the eventual freedom of all abductees.
Inc-CAN described the operation as an “awesome Christmas gift” from the Armed Forces to all Nigerians, remarking that it is a decisive strategic victory against criminal elements, particularly at a time when the Federal Government has declared insecurity a national emergency.
In a statement released in Abuja yesterday by Inc-CAN’s National Convener, Mr. Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary, Mr. Olufemi Adeniyi, the group said that the successful rescue was a national triumph and immense relief for affected families which underscored the growing effectiveness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anti-kidnapping and counter-terrorism strategies.
The group noted that the legendary gallantry, astute professionalism and the highly-rated operational precision of the Nigerian Armed Forces under the CDS, General Olufemi Oluyede had again been displayed, resulting in sustained pressure on criminal networks and clearly demonstratrable and renewed strength and responsiveness of Nigeria’s recalibrated security architecture.
It further said that the actions were capable of significantly degrading terror and kidnapping operations across the country if sustained in the New Year to give deep essence and sharp meaning to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of national security emergency.
Inc-CAN further observed that the renewed momentum within the Armed Forces, under the strategic direction of the CDS Oluyede alongside the Minister of Defence and the Service Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, reflected a unified command structure and a clear operational focus on safeguarding lives and property.
“It is evident that the CDS General Olufemi Oliyede’s leadership has reinforced jointness, synergy and intelligence-driven operations across all theatres. The seamless coordination among the Armed Forces and other security and intelligence agencies under the ONSA-NCTC framework represents in clear terms a whole-of-government approach that is yielding overwhelming, verifiable, measurable results”.
The group commended the gallant troops at the frontlines for their courage, discipline and sacrifice, noting that their rescue operations delivered a significant blow to criminal networks operating within Niger State and beyond.
While reaffirming Nigerians’ confidence in the Armed Forces and the CDS to sustain ongoing operations, Inc-CAN urged citizens to continue to support efforts of the troops through unity, vigilance and the provision of timely and credible information to security agencies.
The group further enjoined Nigerians to play their part as their civic responsibility to the national in order to free the entire country from the blight of criminality.
