By Joel Ajayi
The National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Dayo Israel, has described the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers in Oyo State as a major victory for Nigeria, declaring that the country will never surrender to terrorism and criminality.
In a statement on Saturday, Israel expressed profound gratitude over the safe return of the victims, saying the development had brought relief and renewed hope to their families and the nation.
He noted that while the rescue was a moment of celebration, the emotional and psychological impact of the ordeal on the children, teachers and their families should not be overlooked, stressing that healing would require compassion, support and time.
The APC Youth Leader commended the gallantry, professionalism and sacrifice of Nigeria’s security personnel, whose coordinated efforts and intelligence operations led to the successful rescue.
According to him, the operation demonstrates that the nation’s security agencies remain committed to protecting innocent citizens despite the enormous challenges confronting the country.
Israel also praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its continued investment in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, saying the rescue reflects the positive impact of enhanced intelligence gathering, improved technology, inter-agency collaboration and increased operational capacity.
While acknowledging that more work remains to be done, he said the success should inspire greater confidence in the country’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.
He issued a strong warning to kidnappers and other criminal elements, insisting that Nigeria would never bow to terror or allow criminals to dictate the future of its children.
“Those who make innocent children their targets, traumatise families for profit and spread fear across our communities have no place in our society. The full weight of the law must continue to pursue them until every criminal network is dismantled,” he said.
Israel urged security agencies to build on the momentum of the successful operation by strengthening intelligence gathering, deepening community engagement and adopting more proactive strategies to prevent future attacks.
He reaffirmed the support of Nigerians for the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilance groups and all citizens contributing to national security.
Addressing parents across the country, Israel acknowledged the anxiety caused by recurring incidents of kidnapping, stressing that every child deserves to attend school without fear while every teacher should be able to perform their duties in a safe environment.
He prayed for the full recovery of the rescued children and their teachers, describing their resilience throughout the ordeal as an inspiration to the nation.
Israel called on Nigerians to remain united against insecurity, expressing confidence that with determined leadership, committed security personnel and vigilant communities, the country would continue to defeat those seeking to undermine its peace and stability.
He added that Nigeria belongs to law-abiding citizens and not criminals, expressing optimism that the nation would continue to build a future where every child can learn in safety and every family can live without fear.
