The Nigerian Senate has honoured security personnel who lost their lives during the military operation that rescued 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to The Punch, the victims were freed on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity. While the operation secured their release, three security personnel were killed in the process.
During Tuesday’s plenary, the Senate identified the fallen officers as Lieutenant F. A. Isaac (N/20349) of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa (23NA/84/4604) of the 81 Battalion, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome (Force No. 234511) of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Senate also disclosed that Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the 81 Battalion sustained injuries during the rescue mission.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who sponsored the motion alongside 108 other senators, said the successful operation demonstrated the Federal Government’s determination to combat insecurity.
“The successful operation has restored hope and confidence among Nigerians while sending an unmistakable message that the Federal Government remains resolute in ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven,” Bamidele said.
The upper chamber commended President Bola Tinubu for what it described as his decisive leadership in directing the rescue operation.
The Senate also urged the Federal Government to prioritise the welfare of security personnel by ensuring the prompt payment of death benefits, insurance claims and pension entitlements to the families of the fallen officers.
In addition, lawmakers called for greater investment in modern military equipment and surveillance technology to strengthen future operations against kidnappers and other criminal groups.
Despite the successful rescue, the Senate noted that one of the abducted teachers died while in captivity, describing the loss as a tragic outcome of the 56-day ordeal.
