The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, yesterday shed light on how a joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army Special Forces, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), NSCDC, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Defence Headquarters and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), secured the release of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists in Oriire local government area of Oyo State.
Audi, in a statement issued by the Corps national spokesperson, ACC Afolabi Babawale, said the successful operation was the product of meticulous intelligence gathering, seamless inter-agency collaboration and sustained operational synergy among the nation’s security and intelligence agencies.
The NSCDC boss said, “the operation was driven by a shared commitment among all the participating security and intelligence agencies. Our overriding objective was the safe rescue of the 44 abducted pupils and teachers. In fact, the seamless collaboration reflected our collective resolve to put national interest above institutional boundaries in order to safeguard lives and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The NSCDC boss explained that the operation, coordinated by the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, underscored the federal government’s resolve to combat terrorism, secure schools and protect the lives of Nigerians.
According to him, the operation involved personnel from the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army Special Forces, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency and the NSCDC, all working in concert to ensure the victims regained their freedom.
Audi described the mission as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and joint security operations, commending the professionalism, resilience and sacrifice of the operatives involved.
The successful rescue mission is a clear demonstration of the strength of inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing and the federal government’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism, securing educational institutions and protecting the lives and property of all citizens,” he said.
Reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to the federal government’s Safe Schools Initiative, Audi said the NSCDC would continue to strengthen the protection of schools and critical national assets through proactive intelligence gathering, strategic deployment of personnel, community engagement and sustained collaboration with sister security agencies.
He also urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of leading to the arrest of criminal elements, stressing that national security remains a collective responsibility.
“I reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the NSCDC high command to the steadfast discharge of the Corps’ statutory mandate. The Corps will continue to sustain strong synergy with other security agencies to ensure a safer, more secure and peaceful schools and Nigeria, at large” Audi added.
