By Abba Dukawa
A 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 statement issued on Monday, Dr. Getso praised the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and supporting military personnel for their swift, coordinated and professional response, which led to the safe rescue of the victims.
He also acknowledged the role of community members and local intelligence networks, noting that timely information and public cooperation were instrumental to the success of the operation.
According to him, the rescue demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations backed by strong collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
While applauding the achievement, Dr. Getso questioned why similar urgency and operational success have not been consistently recorded in parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly the North-West and other regions facing persistent banditry and kidnapping.
He observed that security and intelligence reports have, over the years, identified several criminal hideouts across states including Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Yobe, Taraba, Bauchi, Kano and Kogi, yet many of the enclaves remain active.
According to him, despite available intelligence, armed groups have continued to abduct schoolchildren, farmers and other rural residents with little disruption to their activities.
Dr. Getso stressed that Nigeria cannot claim meaningful progress against terrorism and banditry if successful rescue operations remain isolated while other parts of the country continue to experience repeated attacks and mass abductions.
He called on the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure equitable deployment of security resources and intelligence-driven operations across all geopolitical zones, insisting that the country’s security response must be consistent and impartial.
He further urged authorities to move beyond surveillance by carrying out decisive operations against identified criminal enclaves, warning that prolonged inaction only strengthens criminal networks.
Emphasising the need to protect education, Dr. Getso said every attack on a school is an attack on Nigeria’s future, adding that every abducted child deserves the same level of urgency and national response regardless of where the incident occurs.
He maintained that national unity depends on the principle that every Nigerian life has equal value, whether in Ibadan, Gusau or Birnin Gwari, warning that unequal responses to insecurity could undermine public confidence.
Dr. Getso therefore urged the Federal Government, security chiefs and state governments to adopt the intelligence-led operational model demonstrated in Oyo State by prioritising rapid response, actionable intelligence and stronger community partnerships to ensure that no Nigerian child attends school in fear of abduction.
