The Silent Victory: Intelligence Underpins Successful Military Operations
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
Analysis
Named sources
Outcome reported
- Intelligence, particularly from the DSS, was crucial in the release of the Orire kidnap victims, though military operations were initially credited.
- The kidnappers released the victims after their families were arrested and evidence was presented.
- The DSS maintained silence despite the praise directed at other actors, a characteristic of effective intelligence professionals.
The recent release of the Orire kidnap victims highlights the often-unseen but critical role of intelligence in successful military and security operations. While initial reports credited the military, the true story revealed that the kidnappers released the hostages themselves.
intelligence is the grandfather of most successful operations.
This release was prompted by the arrest of kidnappers' family members, whose identities and locations were uncovered through the diligent work of Nigeria's Department of State Services (DSS) and other intelligence agencies. Evidence, including videos of the arrested relatives, was presented to the kidnappers, leading to the victims' freedom.
That is the way of solid intelligence professionals. They keep mum after doing the job that leads to the success of operations and will not raise a whimper even when the wrong people are being credited for the job.
Despite the public accolades directed towards other parties, the DSS and its intelligence counterparts remained silent, a hallmark of seasoned intelligence professionals. They prioritize the success of the operation and the safety of those involved over personal recognition. This quiet effectiveness is essential, even when credit is misattributed.
intelligence is the grandfather of military operations.
Retired Air Chief Marshal and former Chief of Defence Staff, Oluseyi Petinrin, emphasized that intelligence is the "grandfather of military operations." He commended the patience shown by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Governor of Oyo State, the Minister of Defence, the National Security Adviser, and the Director General of the DSS. Their refusal to be rushed into potentially dangerous kinetic actions, adhering to the Yoruba proverb about consuming hot pap with patience, serves as a valuable template for future anti-kidnapping efforts.
hot pap requires patience to consume it was scrupulously heeded in this operation and it could serve as a template for future anti-kidnapping operations.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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