Intelligence Agencies Praised in Opinion Piece Over Rescue of Kidnapped Oyo Teachers, Pupils

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Intelligence agencies have been praised in an opinion piece for their role in the safe rescue of kidnapped teachers and pupils from Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with the operation described as evidence of a growing shift towards intelligence-led security operations in Nigeria.

In the opinion piece, David Akoji, Director of Special Duties/State Operations at the National Orientation Agency (NOA), said the rescue demonstrated the value of intelligence gathering, strategic planning and inter-agency collaboration in tackling kidnapping and other organised crimes.

According to Akoji, reports indicate that the operation was preceded by weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance and the mapping of the kidnappers’ network across several states before security agencies moved to secure the victims’ release.

He argued that the operation reflected an evolving security strategy in which intelligence, patience and coordination are increasingly complementing conventional military operations.

Akoji said the operation appeared to have shifted the psychological advantage away from the kidnappers after security agencies reportedly identified and secured relatives of members of the criminal network, leading to increased pressure on the abductors to release their captives.

He commended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other intelligence agencies for what he described as professionalism and effective collaboration under difficult conditions.

Akoji also praised the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, for their roles in coordinating Nigeria’s intelligence-driven response to insecurity.

He said many intelligence officers work behind the scenes, spending months on surveillance, analysis and coordination before operations produce visible results.

According to Akoji, the successful rescue sends a message to criminal groups that Nigeria’s security agencies are becoming increasingly capable of infiltrating criminal networks and disrupting their operations through intelligence-led strategies.

He, however, cautioned against complacency, calling for sustained investment in surveillance technology, forensic capabilities, communications infrastructure and personnel development. He also urged stronger collaboration among security agencies and greater public cooperation through timely information sharing.

Akoji concluded that the Orire rescue represented more than a successful security operation, saying it underscored the importance of intelligence, precision and strategic coordination in Nigeria’s fight against kidnapping, terrorism and organised crime.