The Security Management Research Consultant, Dr. Yahuza Getso, has commended security agencies for the successful rescue of kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, describing the operation as a model that should be replicated across Nigeria.
In a position statement issued on Monday, Dr. Getso praised the swift operational response of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and supporting military units for their coordination and professionalism during the rescue mission.
He also acknowledged the contribution of community intelligence supporters, noting that timely information and local vigilance played a crucial role in the success of the operation.
According to him, the rescue demonstrates how effective collaboration between government security agencies and local communities can enhance internal security.
While welcoming the development, Dr. Getso questioned why similar urgency and operational success have not been consistently achieved in parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly the North West and other regions grappling with persistent banditry and kidnapping.
He noted that for years, communities and intelligence sources have identified locations used by criminal groups operating in states such as Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Yobe, Taraba, Bauchi, Kano and Kogi, yet many of these enclaves remain active.
Getso argued that although intelligence reports have mapped several of these hideouts, criminal groups have continued to abduct schoolchildren, farmers and rural residents with little disruption to their operations.
He stressed that no nation can claim victory over terrorism and banditry when successful rescue operations are limited to some regions while others continue to experience repeated attacks and mass abductions.
He called on the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure balanced deployment of security operations across all geopolitical zones, insisting that national security efforts should not be selective.
The security expert further urged authorities to move beyond surveillance by launching decisive operations against known criminal enclaves, warning that prolonged inaction only emboldens armed groups.
Emphasising the importance of safeguarding education, Dr. Getso said every attack on a school represents an attack on Nigeria’s future and that every abducted child deserves the same level of national concern and response, regardless of location.
He maintained that Nigeria’s unity depends on the principle that every child’s life carries equal value, whether in Ibadan, Gusau or Birnin Gwari, warning that unequal responses to insecurity could erode public confidence.
Dr. Getso therefore urged the Federal Government, security chiefs and state governments to adopt the Oyo rescue model nationwide by prioritising speed, intelligence-driven operations and strong community partnerships to ensure that no Nigerian child attends school under the fear of abduction.
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