The recent liberation of 44 students and staff kidnapped in Oriire, Oyo State, serves as evidence of enhanced cooperation between Nigeria’s security branches, according to the Coalition of Civil Rights Groups on Security Sector Reforms (CCRGSR). Speaking in Abuja on Monday, the group noted that the operation, which concluded in July after a May abduction, highlighted the benefits of unified efforts among the military, police, and intelligence units.
National Coordinator Emmanuel Agabi praised the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for his role in leading the mission. He stated that General Oluyede successfully fostered a command structure where all military branches act as equal partners. The coalition also highlighted the essential role of the Nigeria Police Force in managing on-the-ground investigations and community relations.
The organization pointed out that coordinated operations nationwide have led to hostage releases, the suppression of bandit cells, and the recovery of stolen assets. Agabi remarked that these efforts have weakened criminal networks significantly. Moving forward, the coalition recommended that the government prioritize funding for advanced technology, personnel training, and community policing to secure vulnerable regions. Finally, the group expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent backing of security services and encouraged the police to further expand their forensic capabilities and local partnerships.
