Senate identifies soldiers, policeman killed, injured in Oyo rescue operation

The Nigerian Senate has identified 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 as the security personnel killed during the operation to rescue abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State. Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, also of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, sustained injuries.

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the military campaign against the terrorists led to 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.

The Senate passed resolutions commending President Bola Tinubu for his "decisive leadership" and "unwavering commitment" to strengthening the nation's security architecture. The resolutions followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, which highlighted the successful rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers after 56 days in captivity. The operation, which involved an intelligence-driven rescue effort lasting over 50 days, also led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, with several others neutralized.

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Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain (16NA/75/6430), 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, sustained injuries in the course of the operation.

Senator Bamidele described the abduction as a "disturbing expansion of organised criminal activities into the South-West" and a direct attack on children's right to education in a safe environment. He noted that while the rescue of the remaining victims was a remarkable achievement, one of the abducted teachers tragically lost their life during captivity.

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Although one of the abducted teachers sadly lost her life during the period of captivity, the successful rescue of the remaining victims without further tragic consequences remains a remarkable achievement worthy of national recognition.

The Senate urged the Federal Government to sustain its military operations against terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits nationwide. Furthermore, it called for the prompt payment of death benefits, insurance claims, pensions, and other entitlements to the families of the security personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice during the operation.

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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.