By Palma Ileye
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative following the successful rescue of 44 abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, commended the professionalism, resilience and collaboration of the Joint Security Team that carried out the operation.
The victims according to a press release signed by ACC Babawale Afolabi, the Corps’ Spokesperson, were abducted by terrorists on May 15, 2026, and were rescued through an intelligence-led operation involving personnel of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army Special Forces, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the NSCDC.
Audi described the operation as a demonstration of the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing and the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling terrorism, safeguarding educational institutions and protecting lives and property.
He praised the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of all security personnel involved, noting that the NSCDC would continue to strengthen the protection of schools and other Critical National Assets and Infrastructure through proactive intelligence gathering, strategic deployment of personnel, community engagement and sustained collaboration with other security agencies.
The NSCDC boss also urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid the arrest of criminal elements, stressing that ensuring national security is a collective responsibility.
According to him, the Corps remains committed to discharging its statutory responsibilities, including the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, disaster management, rescue operations during emergencies, and the regulation of Private Guard Companies.
He added that the NSCDC would continue to work closely with other security agencies to enhance national security and promote a safer and more peaceful Nigeria.
