A New Approach to the Fight Against Insecurity: Commendations to the DSS and Other Intelligence Agencies

By David Akoji

The recent safe rescue of the kidnapped teachers and pupils from Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State offers Nigerians renewed hope that the country’s security architecture is evolving beyond conventional methods. While many security successes often remain unknown to the public, this operation has provided a rare glimpse into the power of intelligence led policing and inter-agency collaboration.

For years, the fight against kidnapping has largely been viewed through the lens of armed confrontation. Although military strength remains indispensable, the Orire operation demonstrates that intelligence, strategic planning, patience, and psychological operations can be equally decisive in securing victory against criminal elements.

Reports surrounding the operation suggest that it was not a routine rescue mission but a carefully coordinated intelligence exercise. Rather than relying solely on force, security agencies reportedly invested weeks in gathering actionable intelligence, identifying the criminal network, tracking individuals connected to the kidnappers across several states, and carefully studying their operational structure.

This approach reflects a growing understanding that modern security threats require modern responses. Criminal networks thrive on secrecy, mobility and psychological advantage. Defeating them therefore demands superior intelligence, meticulous coordination and strategic thinking.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the operation was the apparent shift in psychological advantage. According to available accounts, once security agencies identified and secured relatives of members of the kidnapping network, the kidnappers reportedly realised that they no longer controlled the situation. Their confidence diminished as they faced increasing pressure from within their own circles. Appeals from family members reportedly encouraged the release of the innocent victims, demonstrating how intelligence can sometimes achieve what sustained confrontation may struggle to accomplish.

This is an important lesson in contemporary security management. Successful counter kidnapping operations are not always won on the battlefield. Many are won through painstaking intelligence gathering, patient surveillance, careful analysis and coordinated decision making long before the public becomes aware that an operation is underway.

Such outcomes deserve commendation.

The Department of State Services, the intelligence community, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies continue to operate under extremely difficult conditions. Their successes are frequently overshadowed by the unfortunate incidents that naturally attract greater public attention. Yet operations such as the Orire rescue remind us that significant victories are being recorded through professionalism, collaboration and improved intelligence capabilities.

Special recognition goes to Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, DG of the Department of State Services commendations should also be extended to Gen Christopher Musa Rtd, Minister of Defence and Nuhu Ribadu NSA for the coordination efforts within Nigeria’s national security framework. The Office of the National Security Adviser has consistently emphasized intelligence driven responses to emerging security threats, and operations of this nature reinforce the value of that strategic direction.

Equally deserving of appreciation are the numerous intelligence officers whose names may never appear in newspapers or television reports. Their work is largely invisible, often requiring months of surveillance, analysis, infiltration and coordination before tangible results emerge. Their sacrifices contribute immensely to national security.

The successful rescue of the Orire victims also sends a powerful message to criminal groups across Nigeria. It demonstrates that security agencies are increasingly capable of penetrating criminal networks, understanding their structures and employing innovative strategies that undermine their confidence and operational effectiveness. As intelligence capabilities continue to improve, kidnapping may gradually become a far riskier and less profitable criminal enterprise.

Nevertheless, one successful operation should not breed complacency. Intelligence agencies require sustained investment in technology, surveillance systems, forensic capabilities, communications infrastructure and personnel development. Enhanced collaboration among federal, state and local security institutions will also remain critical to sustaining these gains.

Citizens equally have an important role to play. Timely information sharing, community vigilance and public trust in security institutions remain indispensable components of effective intelligence gathering. Security is ultimately a shared responsibility between government institutions and the communities they serve.

The Orire rescue should therefore be celebrated not merely because innocent teachers and pupils regained their freedom, but because it represents an encouraging evolution in Nigeria’s approach to combating insecurity. It illustrates that intelligence, patience, precision and strategic coordination can produce outcomes that excessive force alone may not achieve.

As Nigeria continues its determined fight against kidnapping, terrorism and organised crime, the country must continue to strengthen its intelligence ecosystem while supporting the dedicated men and women who work quietly behind the scenes to keep our nation safe.

The rescue of the Orire victims is more than a successful security operation; it is a reminder that the future of national security lies not only in superior firepower, but in superior intelligence.

For this, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the National Security Adviser and every security operative involved deserve the gratitude and commendation of a grateful nation.

David Akoji is Director, Special Duties/ State Operations at National Orientation Agency Headquarters

A New Approach to the Fight Against Insecurity: Commendations to the DSS and Other Intelligence Agencies

SOJA applauds rescue of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers, seeks sustained security reforms

By: Michael Mike

Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./GTE. (SOJA) has praised the successful rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a significant boost in the fight against kidnapping while urging authorities to sustain security reforms across the country.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Jimoh, the human rights and justice advocacy organisation commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for what it described as their professionalism, courage and coordinated efforts in securing the victims’ freedom after 56 days in captivity.

The group noted reports indicating that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while others were neutralised, adding that the Presidency had stated no concessions were made to the abductors, including refusing to release an alleged kingpin facing terrorism-related prosecution.

While awaiting a detailed official account of the rescue from security agencies, SOJA congratulated the rescued pupils and teachers, their families, schools, the Oyo State Government and Nigerians who had hoped and prayed for their safe return.

The organisation, however, urged the nation not to forget victims of kidnapping, terrorism and banditry who lost their lives in captivity or other violent attacks.

It extended condolences to bereaved families and called for continued support for those still grappling with the effects of insecurity.

According to SOJA, every life lost to criminal violence is one too many, stressing that lasting success against insecurity would be measured not only by successful rescue operations but also by preventing abductions and dismantling criminal networks.

The organisation cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, saying the rescue reaffirmed the government’s constitutional responsibility to protect lives and ensure public safety.

SOJA also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee rights to life, liberty, dignity, personal security and education.

The advocacy group urged the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, educational authorities and humanitarian agencies to provide comprehensive post-rescue support for the victims, including medical care, psychological counselling, family reunification, academic assistance and security protection where necessary.

It also called for recognition of security personnel involved in the operation and insisted that all arrested suspects should be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in line with the law while respecting due process.

SOJA further urged authorities to intensify efforts to dismantle kidnapping syndicates by targeting financiers, collaborators, informants and other enablers of violent crimes.

The organisation advocated greater investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, border security, community policing, inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led operations to prevent future attacks.

It also recommended stronger security measures around schools through regular risk assessments, emergency response plans, improved intelligence sharing and closer collaboration among schools, host communities, parents and security agencies.

SOJA maintained that schools must remain safe environments for learning rather than targets for criminal activities.

The organisation further called on governments at all levels to address socio-economic factors contributing to crime through expanded access to education, employment opportunities, vocational training, youth empowerment and social welfare programmes.

It urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible information while avoiding rumours capable of undermining ongoing operations.

SOJA said the successful rescue demonstrated that coordinated and intelligence-driven security operations could produce positive outcomes and called on the Federal Government to build on the achievement in its efforts to eliminate kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes nationwide.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights, justice, accountability, transparency, good governance and the rule of law while praying for the full recovery of the rescued victims and lasting peace and security across Nigeria.

SOJA applauds rescue of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers, seeks sustained security reforms

NIMC, NIPOST Integrate Identity, Digital Address Systems to Revolutionise Public Service Delivery

By: Michael Mike

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) have launched a landmark initiative to integrate Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN) database with the country’s digital postcode system, a move expected to significantly transform public service delivery, strengthen digital governance and accelerate economic inclusion.

The collaboration, unveiled in Abuja, will allow Nigerians to verify their addresses and retrieve official digital postcodes through the NINAuth platform, effectively linking verified identity with authenticated location information on a single trusted digital infrastructure.

The initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency of government interventions, improve emergency response, facilitate financial inclusion, strengthen logistics and e-commerce operations, and provide more accurate data for national planning.

Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, described the partnership as a major milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation, saying it goes beyond inter-agency cooperation to establish the foundation for an integrated digital public infrastructure.

She disclosed that the recently enacted NIMC Act 2026 has significantly expanded the Commission’s mandate, making it the custodian of Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for identity and the Root Certification Authority for the National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI).

According to her, the legislation provides the legal and technological framework for secure digital identity, electronic authentication, digital signatures and trusted online transactions across government and the private sector.

She, however, stressed that identity without location cannot deliver a fully digital economy.

“The National Identification Number tells us who a person is, while the National Postcode System tells us where that person can be reached. Bringing both together creates the trusted digital foundation required for efficient governance and inclusive economic development,” she said.

Coker-Odusote revealed that technical teams from both agencies had already completed the integration of postcode retrieval into the NINAuth platform, enabling citizens to seamlessly verify both their identity and address.

She noted that the integration aligns with the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda by promoting interoperability across public institutions and delivering faster, safer and more efficient services to Nigerians.

She also described NIPOST as a critical partner whose nationwide addressing infrastructure would help extend digital services to every part of the country.

The NIMC chief added that the initiative supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by deepening digital innovation, improving public service delivery and expanding economic opportunities.

In her remarks, Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer of NIPOST, Omotola Odeyemi, said the collaboration represents a strategic investment in Nigeria’s foundational infrastructure.

She observed that every modern economy depends on two critical capabilities—knowing who people are and knowing where they are—and said integrating digital identity with a national postcode system would significantly improve governance, logistics, emergency response, commerce and access to government services.

Odeyemi said NIPOST is undergoing a major transformation from a traditional postal operator into a modern digital infrastructure institution that connects citizens, businesses and communities.

She identified the National Digital Postcode Initiative as one of the agency’s flagship reforms, noting that postal administrations around the world now play strategic roles in digital inclusion, e-commerce and national addressing systems.

According to her, NIPOST’s extensive nationwide presence and statutory mandate place it in a unique position to provide a reliable national addressing framework capable of supporting Nigeria’s digital economy.

She assured Nigerians that the implementation of the integrated platform would comply with the highest standards of data protection, cybersecurity and institutional accountability.

The partnership comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to build a robust Digital Public Infrastructure that enables secure identity verification, seamless access to public services and greater efficiency across sectors, with digital identity and verified location increasingly recognised as critical pillars of modern governance and economic development.

NIMC, NIPOST Integrate Identity, Digital Address Systems to Revolutionise Public Service Delivery