The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria (APPMEN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Armed Forces for the successful rescue of the Oyo State schoolchildren and teachers abducted by terrorists, describing the operation as proof that criminal gangs can be defeated through decisive leadership and coordinated military action.
In a statement issued on Saturday, APPMEN praised the courage and professionalism of the military, intelligence operatives and other security agencies involved in the operation, saying their swift intervention safely reunited the victims with their families.
The association said the rescue had renewed hope among Nigerians, stressing that the success should mark the beginning of a sustained nationwide offensive against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups rather than remain an isolated achievement.
APPMEN urged the Federal Government to immediately operationalise State Police, arguing that properly funded, trained and equipped state security outfits would strengthen local intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities needed to combat insecurity across the country.
The media body also called for tighter border security through the deployment of surveillance drones, biometric border control systems and joint military-border patrols to curb the infiltration of armed criminals and illegal weapons into Nigeria.
It further demanded continuous air and ground offensives, enhanced intelligence sharing among security agencies and the elimination of criminal hideouts across the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-West and other troubled parts of the country.
To reinforce national security, APPMEN proposed the activation of community vigilantes and hunters to work alongside State Police and the military, the creation of a real-time national kidnapping and missing persons database, aggressive prosecution of kidnappers’ sponsors and informants, and the fortification of schools with security infrastructure such as CCTV cameras, perimeter fencing and emergency response systems.
The association also advocated a nationwide media-driven campaign to discourage criminality, encourage whistleblowing and rebuild public confidence in the nation’s security agencies.
Reaffirming its commitment to national development, APPMEN pledged to continue supporting government efforts through responsible journalism, public enlightenment and constructive accountability.
The association congratulated President Tinubu and the Armed Forces on the successful rescue operation, urging the government to intensify efforts until every Nigerian held in captivity is freed and lasting peace is restored across the country.
