Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have revealed that they approached the rescue of the 44 abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire schools in Oyo State with the determination to save lives, describing the victims as their own children.
The officers, who worked alongside the military and other security agencies, said their commitment to the operation contributed to the successful rescue of all the abductees.
During the mission, Sergeant John Jerome Mbena lost his life, while several other police personnel sustained injuries.
Speaking while receiving members of the rescue team, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, paid tribute to the fallen officer and praised the courage and professionalism displayed by the operatives throughout the operation.
He noted that the officers had carried out their assignment with dedication and brought pride to the police force through their role in securing the release of the victims.
The police chief also disclosed that officers injured during the operation are responding well to treatment, assuring them that the force will continue to provide support for their medical care and the family of the slain officer.
Disu explained that the police publicly acknowledge officers who die in the line of duty because they deserve to be honoured for the sacrifices they make while protecting lives and maintaining national security.
He further applauded the strong cooperation between the police, the military and other security agencies, stressing that tackling insecurity requires a united approach rather than competition among security institutions.
The Inspector-General also appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, urging citizens to report suspicious activities that could help prevent criminal acts.
One of the officers involved in the rescue, SP Mohammed Abduramaan, said the team treated the kidnapped pupils and teachers as members of their own families, adding that their determination to bring them home safely motivated every step of the operation.
He described the successful rescue as a fulfilment of the officers’ responsibility to protect lives and serve the nation.
