The Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Issa Aremu, has hailed the successful rescue of pupils, the principal and staff abducted from a school in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a major boost to Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
In a press statement issued on Monday, Aremu congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies for the successful operation, saying it reflected the growing professionalism, capacity and determination of the country’s security forces under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He, however, expressed condolences to the family of the victim killed during the abduction, noting that the tragedy underscored the need for sustained efforts to eliminate kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
According to him, the successful rescue has renewed the confidence of Nigerians that insecurity can be significantly reduced through determined political leadership, improved intelligence gathering, adequate funding and the commitment of security personnel.
Aremu commended members of the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force and other security institutions for their sacrifices in protecting the country, urging citizens to support security efforts by providing timely information and cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
The MINILS Director-General stressed that beyond rescue operations, the government must focus on preventing future attacks by securing forests and remote areas often used as hideouts by criminal groups.
He called on the Federal Government and state governments to transform underutilised forests and vulnerable territories into productive economic zones through agro-industrial projects, sustainable forestry, eco-tourism, ranching, mining where appropriate, industrial clusters and other investments capable of creating jobs and strengthening government presence.
According to Aremu, economically occupying such areas would deny criminals safe havens while stimulating local economies, creating employment opportunities and improving national security.
“The long-term solution is to relentlessly pursue criminals and also ensure that no part of Nigeria is abandoned to criminality. Every part of our national territory should become a space for lawful economic activity, productive enterprise and community development,” he said.
He reaffirmed MINILS’ commitment to promoting the Labour-Security Nexus, which links employment creation, industrialisation, labour education, community participation and inclusive development with national security efforts.
Aremu also urged Nigerians to remain united in supporting the Federal Government and security agencies in the collective effort to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous nation.
