The Senate on Tuesday paid tribute to three security personnel who lost their lives during the military operation that secured the release of pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.
The upper legislative chamber also called on the federal government to sustain the ongoing offensive against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups across the country, while urging the prompt payment of all benefits due to the families of the slain officers.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and co-sponsored by 108 senators, according to a statement issued by the Office of the Senate Leader.
During the debate, Bamidele identified the fallen personnel 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 (Force No. 234511) of the Nigeria Police Force.
He also disclosed that Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain (16NA/75/6430) of the 81 Battalion sustained injuries during the operation.
Bamidele further revealed that one of the abducted teachers died while being held captive by the terrorists.
He described the rescue mission as a major achievement despite the tragic losses, noting that the successful recovery of the remaining victims without further casualties had restored confidence among Nigerians.
According to him, terrorists abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, plunging families and communities into weeks of anxiety.
He described the attack as a dangerous expansion of organised criminal activities into the South-West and an assault on children’s right to access education in a safe environment.
The Senate Leader said President Bola Tinubu responded by directing the Armed Forces and other security agencies to deploy all lawful military resources necessary to secure the victims’ release.
He explained that the intelligence-led operation, which lasted more than 50 days, eventually led to the rescue of the victims on July 10, alongside the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were killed during the operation.
Bamidele said the successful mission demonstrated the federal government’s determination to deny criminal groups safe havens anywhere in Nigeria.
He also commended President Tinubu’s “decisive leadership, strategic direction and unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture,” describing the operation as a significant boost to public confidence, especially among parents and school communities.
Senator Fatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, who seconded the motion, described the day of the abduction as a “Black Friday” for his senatorial district.
He said the rescue ended 56 days of uncertainty and suffering for the victims and their families.
Buhari disclosed that he visited the rescued pupils and teachers at the hospital shortly after their release, noting that while one of the children required oxygen support and others were placed on intravenous drips, they all showed remarkable improvement within 24 hours.
Following deliberations, the Senate urged the federal government to intensify military and intelligence operations by providing modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, improved intelligence gathering, better logistics and enhanced welfare packages for security personnel.
The lawmakers also called for the immediate payment of statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements owed to the families of the fallen officers, while stressing the need to continue strengthening the welfare, training and operational capacity of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
The Senate further appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely intelligence, cooperating with lawful authorities and demonstrating patriotism in the fight against insecurity.
It concluded by honouring the sacrifices of the slain security personnel and reaffirming its support for efforts aimed at tackling terrorism and other violent crimes across the country.
