The Senate has disclosed the identities of three security personnel who lost their lives and another who was injured during the military operation that rescued abducted pupils and teachers from terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The upper chamber also called on the Federal Government to sustain and intensify military operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements across the country while ensuring that the families of the fallen personnel receive their full entitlements without delay.
The resolutions were adopted on Tuesday following the consideration of a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and co-sponsored by 108 senators, according to a statement issued by the Office of the Senate Leader.
The Senate commended President Bola Tinubu for what it described as his “decisive leadership, strategic direction and unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture,” following the successful rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity.
Presenting the motion, Bamidele recalled that terrorists abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident he described as a direct attack on the right of children to receive education in a safe environment and a worrying expansion of organised criminal activities into the South-West.
He said President Tinubu immediately directed the Armed Forces and other security agencies to deploy all lawful military assets to secure the unconditional release of the victims.
According to him, security operatives launched an intelligence-led operation that lasted more than 50 days and culminated in the successful rescue of the victims on Friday, July 10.
The operation also led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were neutralised.
Bamidele identified the personnel who paid the supreme price during the operation as Lieutenant F. A. Isaac (N/20349) of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa (23NA/84/4604) of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome (F/No. 234511) of the Nigeria Police Force.
He also disclosed that Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain (16NA/75/6430) of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, sustained injuries during the operation.
The Senate Leader further revealed that one of the abducted teachers died while in captivity.
“Although one of the abducted teachers sadly lost his life during the period of captivity, the successful rescue of the remaining victims without further tragic consequences remains a remarkable achievement worthy of national recognition,” Bamidele said.
He added that the operation had restored public confidence and sent a strong message that criminal elements would find no safe haven anywhere in Nigeria.
Supporting the motion, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Fatai Buhari, described the day of the abduction as a “Black Friday” for his senatorial district.
He said the community endured 56 days of anxiety before the victims were eventually rescued.
Buhari disclosed that he visited the rescued pupils and teachers in hospital shortly after their release, noting that while one child was placed on oxygen and others were receiving intravenous treatment, their condition improved significantly within 24 hours.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Government to strengthen military and intelligence operations through the deployment of modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, improved logistics, enhanced intelligence gathering and better welfare packages for security personnel.
The lawmakers also called for the immediate payment of death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other statutory entitlements to the families of the fallen security personnel.
The Senate further appealed to Nigerians to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies by providing timely intelligence and cooperating with efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
The chamber concluded by paying tribute to the fallen officers and reaffirming its support for ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and kidnapping nationwide.
