Following the successful liberation of 44 kidnapped individuals in Oriire, Oyo State, the Coalition of Civil Rights Groups on Security Sector Reforms (CCRGSR) highlighted a noticeable increase in cooperation and intelligence sharing among Nigerian security forces under President Bola Tinubu’s government.
During a press conference on Monday, the coalition honored the security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, praising the professionalism shown in the challenging forest environment. Emmanuel Agabi, the group’s convener, urged the government to prioritize the modernization of military hardware, improve civil-military ties, and strengthen local policing strategies.
The organization credited General Oluwafemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Staff, for fostering a more integrated command structure that allows the Army, Navy, and Air Force to work as a unified entity. This coordination has been crucial in breaking up criminal gangs. The coalition also recognized the Nigeria Police Force for its vital contributions to investigative work and community engagement.
While acknowledging the progress made in suppressing banditry and rescuing hostages, the group expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s commitment to security reform. Looking ahead, the coalition emphasized that while recent operations are yielding results, further investment is necessary to secure ungoverned territories and deepen forensic investigative capabilities.