The rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State after 56 days in captivity has sparked fresh pressure on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to launch similar operations to free hundreds of other schoolchildren, women and other Nigerians still being held by terrorists across the country.
Sunday PUNCH findings revealed that families of abducted victims, religious and community leaders, civil society organisations and opposition politicians are urging the Federal Government to replicate the successful intelligence-led operation that secured the release of the Oyo victims in Borno, Kwara and other states, where scores of victims have remained in captivity for months.
The renewed calls followed Friday’s announcement by security agencies that all those abducted during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15 had regained their freedom without the payment of ransom.
The operation, described by security authorities as intelligence-led and jointly executed by the military, the Department of State Services and the police, has been widely hailed as evidence that coordinated security efforts can deliver results when backed by political will and effective intelligence.
