Orire rescue: Rights coalition seeks investment in equipment modernisation

Following the rescue of 44 kidnap victims in Oriire, Oyo State, the Coalition of Civil Rights Groups on Security Sector Reforms, CCRGSR, has reported improved synergy and intelligence sharing among Nigeria’s security agencies under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The coalition, which spoke at a press briefing on Monday, expressed sadness over the loss of some officers in the mission, which it described as a model of professionalism executed in difficult forest terrain.

Speaking through the Convener, Emmanuel Agabi, the rights coalition called for sustained investment in equipment modernisation, enhanced civil-military relations and stronger community policing initiatives

It noted that the Defence Headquarters, under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Oluwafemi Oluyede, has transformed inter-service collaboration, enabling ground troops, air support and intelligence units to function as a cohesive force that effectively dismantled criminal networks.

“General Oluyede has orchestrated a paradigm shift where the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other services view themselves as equal partners in a unified command structure,” Agabi said.  

The coalition further commended the Nigeria Police Force for providing essential ground support, investigative work and community liaison that complemented military efforts.

The rights coalition noted that recent operations in multiple states have led to naturalization of bandit elements, hostage rescues, and recovery of arms and livestock, signalling broader progress in restoring peace.

“Their resilience in the face of adversity has not only rescued innocent citizens but has also dismantled key elements of the criminal networks responsible for these heinous acts.

“To the families of the fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price, we extend our deepest condolences. At the helm of this transformative security framework is His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“We commend President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to fortifying Nigeria’s security architecture… The President’s emphasis on a whole-of-government approach has yielded tangible results.

“We charge the Nigeria Police Force to do even more: deepen community policing reforms, enhance forensic and investigative capacities and strengthen partnerships with vigilante and local security networks,” Agabi added.

The rights coalition reaffirmed its readiness to partner with the government and security institutions in building a safer nation.

However, it stressed the need for reforms to tackle persistent threats in ungoverned spaces.