The Senate on Tuesday named three security personnel who died during the operation that freed abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The upper chamber also reported that another soldier was injured in the operation, which ended the victims’ 56-day captivity.
It urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of death benefits, pensions, insurance claims, and other entitlements due to the families of fallen personnel.
The resolutions were passed following the consideration of a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele and co-sponsored by the remaining 108 senators.
The lawmakers praised President Bola Tinubu for what they described as his “decisive leadership, strategic direction and unwavering dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.”
Bamidele, who chaired the debate, said terrorists abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
“It subjected the victims, their relatives and Nigerians to weeks of fear and uncertainty,” he said.
He said the attack was “a disturbing expansion of organised criminal activities into the South-West” and “a direct attack on the right of every child to be educated in a safe and secure environment.”
Bamidele stated that Tinubu subsequently directed the Armed Forces and other security agencies to deploy all lawful resources needed to secure the unconditional release of the victims.
He said security agencies carried out an intelligence-led operation, which lasted for over 50 days before the victims were rescued on Friday, July 10.
The Senate Leader added that eight suspected terrorists were arrested during the operation while several others were killed.
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Three Personnel Killed, Soldier Wounded
Bamidele named the fallen personnel as Lieutenant F.A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.
He said, “The military campaign against the terrorists culminated in the ultimate sacrifice of Lieutenant F. A. Isaac (N/20349), Nigerian Army; Private Silas Musa (23NA/84/4604), 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army; and Sergeant Abena John Jerome (F/No. 234511), Nigeria Police Force.”
He added that Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the 81 Battalion sustained injuries during the rescue operation.
“Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain (16NA/75/6430), 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, was wounded during the operation,” he said.
The Senate leader also said that one of the abducted teachers died while the victims were in captivity.
“The recovery of the remaining pupils and teachers without further casualties is a significant security achievement,” he said.
“While one of the kidnapped teachers sadly lost his life during the period of captivity, the successful rescue of the remaining victims without further tragic consequences is a remarkable achievement worthy of national recognition,” Bamidele said.
He said the operation also restored confidence among parents, school communities and other Nigerians.
“The success of the operation has re-assured Nigerians, especially parents and school communities, and sent a clear message that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven anywhere within the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Senator Fatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, who seconded the motion, described the day of the abduction as a “Black Friday” in his senatorial district.
The victims’ families went through 56 days of anxiety before the rescue operation was completed, he said.
“It was 56 days of agony before the victims were rescued,” said Buhari.
The senator revealed that he visited the rescued pupils and teachers at the hospital shortly after they regained their freedom.
“One of the children was on oxygen while others were on drips, but within 24 hours, they were all already on their feet,” he added.
Senate Wants More Strikes
In its resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Government to sustain and intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups throughout the country.
It called for provision of modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, improved intelligence capabilities and adequate logistics for security agencies.
The lawmakers also called for improved welfare packages for military personnel, police officers and other operatives engaged in counter-terrorism operations.
The Senate urged the government “to ensure the prompt payment of all statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other welfare entitlements due to the families of the fallen heroes and to continue to strengthen the welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.”
It further pleaded with Nigerians to assist security agencies by promptly giving them credible intelligence and by cooperating with the ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities.
The chamber paid tribute to fallen personnel and commended the security agencies involved in the operation.
