NOA Hails Rescue of Abducted Oyo Students, Rallies Nigerians Against Terrorism

"The operation demonstrated that criminal elements could not outsmart a united and determined nation." Issa-Onilu.

.... "The responsibility of securing our nation does not rest with government and security agencies alone. Every Nigerian has a role to play. When citizens cooperate with security agencies, share credible information and reject narratives that divide us, we strengthen our collective ability to protect our communities and preserve our country." 

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to unite against insurgency and other security threats, following the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted by suspected terrorists in schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Director-General of the NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement issued and signed by Paul Odenyi, Deputy Director Communication and Media, praised the country's security agencies for what he described as a highly coordinated, intelligence-driven operation that led to the victims' rescue after a month-long mission in the dense forests of the Old Oyo National Park.

According to him, the operation showcased the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration, meticulous intelligence gathering and strategic planning, which enabled security operatives to identify terrorist kingpins, dismantle their logistics networks, neutralise their support structures and rescue the victims without paying ransom.

Issa-Onilu said the operation demonstrated that criminal elements could not outsmart a united and determined nation.

He called on Nigerians to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, reporting suspicious activities and rejecting ethnic, religious and political divisions that could weaken the country's fight against insecurity.

"The responsibility of securing our nation does not rest with government and security agencies alone. Every Nigerian has a role to play. When citizens cooperate with security agencies, share credible information and reject narratives that divide us, we strengthen our collective ability to protect our communities and preserve our country," he said.

The NOA boss also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the operation, describing their sacrifice as a testament to their patriotism and commitment to national security.

He reaffirmed the agency's commitment to promoting responsible citizenship and national unity through its grassroots presence across Nigeria's 774 local government areas, expressing confidence that collective action would continue to strengthen the country's fight against terrorism and other security challenges.