The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights has commended security agencies and the governments of the federation for the successful rescue of abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and violent extremism.
The rights group, however, warned that the country’s worsening insecurity requires sustained and coordinated action beyond isolated rescue operations, calling for a nationwide offensive against kidnappers, bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National President, Comrade Yinka Folarin, and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adewunmi Adesina, the organisation said the rescue demonstrated the importance of intelligence-driven operations and collaboration among security agencies and local communities.
According to the statement, the successful operation should serve as a model for tackling Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
CDHR specifically praised the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local security volunteers and other emergency responders for their professionalism and commitment.
“The successful rescue is not merely a victory to be celebrated; it is a lesson that effective collaboration among government, security agencies and communities remains the surest pathway to defeating insecurity in Nigeria,” the statement read.
While celebrating the safe return of the victims, the organisation urged both the Federal and Oyo State governments to immediately provide comprehensive medical care, psychological evaluation, trauma counselling and rehabilitation services for the rescued teachers and pupils.
It noted that victims of abduction often suffer lasting emotional and psychological trauma, stressing that government intervention should go beyond securing their release.
“The trauma of abduction does not end with freedom; it must be addressed through deliberate and sustained government intervention,” the group stated.
The human rights organisation also called for a comprehensive national strategy to combat kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and violent extremism, saying preventive measures must complement security operations.
It urged governments at all levels, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, educational institutions, Community Development Associations, youth and women’s groups as well as vigilante organisations to strengthen partnerships aimed at preventing violent extremism through intelligence sharing, early warning mechanisms and community vigilance.
CDHR further appealed to governments to reinforce security around schools by deploying modern surveillance technology, improving school infrastructure, increasing security personnel, strengthening emergency response systems and investing in intelligence-led policing.
The organisation also charged Nigerians to actively support lawful security efforts by reporting suspicious activities, insisting that citizens have a crucial role to play in safeguarding their communities.
It expressed solidarity with the rescued teachers, pupils and their families while remembering other Nigerians still being held captive across the country.
Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of human rights, CDHR urged governments to prioritise intelligence gathering, community policing, victim support services and measures aimed at preventing violent extremism, maintaining that the protection of lives remains the foremost responsibility of every government.
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