The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has praised the courage and professionalism of operatives involved in the successful rescue of seven teachers and 39 pupils kidnapped in Oyo State, while honouring a police sergeant who died during the 56-day operation.
The operatives, drawn from the Nigeria Police Force Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), were formally received by the Inspector-General at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, following the successful conclusion of the high-risk rescue operation in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, noting that the operation culminated in the safe rescue of all 46 victims, comprising seven teachers and 39 pupils, who had been held captive for nearly two months.
While celebrating the operational success, the Inspector-General also paid tribute to Sergeant John Jerome Abena, an operative of the FID-IRT, who lost his life during the rescue mission.
According to Iniedu, the IGP described the late officer’s sacrifice as a profound demonstration of patriotism and selfless service to the nation.
“Sergeant John Jerome Abena paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during the rescue mission. His selflessness and gallantry epitomised the highest ideals of service to the fatherland. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its commitment to providing sustainable support and welfare for his family,” the statement quoted the IGP as saying.
Addressing members of the rescue team, who worked in close collaboration with other security agencies, the Inspector-General commended their tactical precision, resilience and patriotism, describing the successful operation as further proof of the Nigeria Police Force’s growing intelligence-led policing capability.
“The successful rescue operation is clear evidence of the Nigeria Police Force’s evolving intelligence-led capacity to safeguard lives and combat violent crime across the federation. Your courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty have once again brought honour to the Force and renewed hope to Nigerians,” Iniedu quoted the IGP as saying.
The Police spokesman disclosed that although the rescued victims were not present at the reception, they are currently receiving comprehensive medical attention and psychological support to aid their recovery from the traumatic experience.
Iniedu further stated that the Inspector-General reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare, motivation and recognition of police personnel, particularly officers deployed to high-risk operations.
“Under this administration, the welfare, motivation and recognition of our personnel remain a top institutional priority. Honouring the sacrifices of officers who risk their lives daily is not only our responsibility but a moral obligation. A policeman is first of all a human being,” the IGP said.
He urged officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to remain resolute, vigilant and professional in the ongoing fight against criminality across the country.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains unwavering in its commitment to securing every part of the country, protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians, and continuously prioritising the operational welfare of its personnel nationwide,” Iniedu added.
The reception underscored the Force’s continued emphasis on intelligence-driven policing, inter-agency collaboration and personnel welfare as critical pillars in its efforts to combat violent crime and enhance public safety across Nigeria.
