‘Nigerians condemned us’ — IGP on 56-day Oriire school rescue

Nigeria's Inspector General of Police (IGP) has defended the 56-day operation to rescue students from Oriire school, pushing back against public criticism and international comparisons. The IGP stated that the prolonged operation was necessary to avoid "collateral damage" and ensure the safe return of the abducted students.

"There is something we call collateral damage. People were comparing us to other nations. They wanted us to take hasty decisions," the IGP said, addressing the public's impatience and scrutiny. He implied that a rushed approach could have jeopardized the lives of the hostages and potentially led to unintended harm.

The IGP's remarks highlight the delicate balance security forces must strike between swift action and meticulous planning in high-stakes hostage situations. The extended duration of the Oriire rescue operation drew significant attention, with many questioning the effectiveness and efficiency of the Nigerian police force. However, the IGP's statement frames the outcome as a success achieved through careful consideration rather than a failure of speed.

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There is something we call collateral damage. People were comparing us to other nations. They wanted us to take hasty decisions.