A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress has hailed the successful rescue of kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insecurity, emphasizing that the operation’s success without ransom payment sends a powerful message to criminal networks across the country. Umar Tanko Yakasai, who serves as Director General of the Tinubu Support Group, commended the federal government’s steadfast refusal to negotiate with the Ansaru terrorist group members responsible for the abduction, arguing that such resolve is essential to breaking the cycle of kidnapping for profit that has plagued Nigeria in recent years.
Speaking on Wednesday, Yakasai revealed that the kidnappers had demanded the release of a detained commander in exce for the victims during the 56 day ordeal. However, federal authorities maintained their policy of non capitulation throughout the crisis. Every victim was rescued alive without ransom being paid or concessions being granted, a outcome that Yakasai believes reinforces the authority of the state and denies criminal organisations the incentive to profit from kidnapping. He attributed the operational success to substantial investments in Nigeria’s defence and security infrastructure under the current administration, pointing to consecutive budget increases designed to modernise military capabilities and enhance force readiness.
The security analyst outlined several high profile hardware acquisitions that have bolstered Nigeria’s military capacity in recent years. Among the most significant is a 1.2 billion dollar procurement deal for 24 M346 FA Fighter Jets from Italian aerospace company Leonardo, representing the largest single military aircraft acquisition in West African history. Additionally, the government secured an 801 million dollar agreement with the United States for AH1Z Viper Helicopters, including a 455 million dollar purchase of 12 helicopters specifically designed for counterinsurgency operations. Furthermore, the Federal Executive Council approved a subsequent 618 million dollar facility to fortify national airspace defence capabilities, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to security modernization.
Yakasai sharply criticized Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent call for a United Nations led investigation into the kidnap saga, describing the request as preposterous and politically motivated. He urged Nigerians to condemn what he characterized as a divisive move that undermines national unity during a security crisis. Despite this criticism, Yakasai acknowledged that official records demonstrate strong cooperation between federal authorities and the state government throughout the ordeal, suggesting that the political tensions emerged only after the successful resolution of the incident.
Political observers note that the rescue operation and subsequent debate highlight deepening divisions between federal and state authorities over security matters as Nigeria approaches future electoral cycles. Opposition figures have seized upon the kidnapping incident to question the government’s overall security strategy, while administration supporters point to the successful outcome as vindication of their hardline approach to negotiations with terrorist groups. Yakasai expressed regret over what he described as attempts to politicise a tragedy that affected innocent children and educators, calling for greater national consensus on security policy.
Looking ahead, the APC chieftain urged all political actors to keep national security matters strictly non partisan, warning that divisiveness weakens collective efforts to combat terrorism. Terrorism does not distinguish between political parties, ethnic groups or religious communities, and neither should our determination to defeat it, he stated. As Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges across different regions, the Oyo rescue operation may serve as either a template for future responses or a source of continued political controversy, depending on whether stakeholders can find common ground on the thorny question of how best to protect citizens while denying terrorists the resources and legitimacy they seek through high profile kidnappings.
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