Abuja: The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, emphasized that ensuring the safe return of abducted school pupils and teachers in Oyo State is a top national priority. Idris made this assurance during a news conference in Abuja themed ‘United Against Terrors.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Idris stated that the abduction of school children and their teachers is an attack on the future of the nation, education, and the values that unify Nigerians. On behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government, he assured the public that the safe return of every child and teacher in captivity is a priority. He mentioned the deployment of specialized rescue teams and the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to enhance security in vulnerable communities and forests.
The minister highlighted the collaboration between federal and state governments in tackling kidnapping and terrorism. He noted that President Tinubu is working closely with state authorities, sharing intelligence, coordinating rescue operations, and mobilizing resources to secure the victims’ release. The cooperation extends to rural areas, with federal security agencies working with local authorities to address security challenges.
Idris reiterated that the fight against insecurity requires partnership and a shared purpose, not just government action. He urged the media to avoid amplifying terrorists’ objectives by giving them undue prominence and emphasized responsible reporting guided by professionalism and national interest.
Mr. Zakari Mijinyawa, Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser, dismissed claims that the armed forces lack the capacity to combat terrorism. Mijinyawa stressed that the armed forces are well-equipped, and security agencies must use their training to assess threats and determine the best response without succumbing to political pressures.
Afolabi Babawale, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), discussed the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative (SSI), launched in 2014 to protect students, teachers, and school environments. Babawale noted that while the initiative is active, it has yet to reach schools in remote areas. He assured that efforts are ongoing to address this shortfall and capture all schools nationwide.
The NSCDC and other agencies are working diligently to resolve the recent incident in Oyo State and ensure the safety of students and educators across the country.