The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), on Sunday, commended the successful rescue of the schoolchildren abducted in Oyo State and called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of pupils kidnapped in Borno State.
The coalition described the rescue operation as proof that coordinated security efforts, effective intelligence gathering and strong political will can deliver positive results in the fight against insecurity.
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the group praised the gallantry and professionalism of security agencies, intelligence operatives and all those involved in securing the children’s release.
According to the coalition, the rescue offers renewed hope to Nigerians battling widespread insecurity and violent crimes across the country.
Charanchi said: “We commend the gallantry and professionalism of the security agencies, intelligence services and all those whose efforts contributed to the safe recovery of the children.
“Their dedication offers a glimmer of hope to Nigerians amid ravaging insecurity and violence. While celebrating this success, CNG is deeply concerned that schoolchildren abducted in Borno State on the same day are yet to regain their freedom.
“Every Nigerian child deserves equal protection regardless of geography, ethnicity, religion or social status. The pain of parents in Borno is no less than that of parents in Oyo.”
The coalition urged the Federal Government and security agencies to deploy the same level of urgency, intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration that led to the successful rescue in Oyo to secure the immediate release of the abducted Borno pupils.
It noted that beyond the two incidents, thousands of Nigerians remain in captivity across the country, while communities in the North-West, North-East, North-Central and other regions continue to suffer recurring attacks, mass abductions and violent crimes.
The group maintained that the value of human life must never be determined by geography or the level of public attention given to any incident, insisting that every kidnapped Nigerian deserves the same commitment from government.
Charanchi added: “The recurring attacks on schools remain particularly troubling. Schools should be places of learning and hope, not targets of criminal violence. Governments at all levels must prioritise the security of educational institutions through improved intelligence gathering, enhanced community policing, better surveillance and adequate protection for vulnerable schools.
“Furthermore, we urge the Government to sustain intelligence-led security operations, improve collaboration among security agencies, and address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, youth unemployment, weak border controls and the proliferation of illicit arms.
“The rescue of the Oyo schoolchildren should not be viewed as an isolated success but as evidence that determined and coordinated action can produce positive outcomes. Nigerians now expect similar commitment in every case of kidnapping, irrespective of where it occurs.
“CNG stands in solidarity with the families of the yet-to-be-rescued Borno schoolchildren and all other victims of kidnapping across the country. We remain hopeful that with sustained efforts, they too will soon be reunited with their loved ones.
“Nigeria’s security institutions have demonstrated that success is possible. The challenge now is to replicate this success consistently until no Nigerian remains in captivity,” he said.