Oghene Egoh, a lawmaker who represented Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency, has commended the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for its efforts in rescuing 363 kidnap victims and tackling security challenges across the country.

Mr Egoh gave the commendation in an interview with journalists in Lagos on Sunday.

He said that the recent rescue of 363 abducted persons by security forces in Kwara, Oyo and Niger was a significant demonstration of the government’s determination to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

He said that the coordinated operation by security agencies, which led to the rescue of the victims, showed that intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and timely intervention could produce positive results in the fight against kidnapping and terrorism.

“While there is still a lot to be done, the successful rescue of these abducted Nigerians is commendable and should give hope to families and communities affected by insecurity.

“It is important that the government sustains this momentum and ensures that those responsible for kidnapping, terrorism and banditry are brought to justice,” he said.

According to him, the administration’s efforts in combating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping should be supported with stronger intelligence gathering, modern security technology and effective collaboration among the various security agencies.

Mr Egoh applauded Mr Tinubu for strengthening the nation’s security architecture and for measures aimed at increasing the presence and effectiveness of security personnel across vulnerable communities.

He said the government’s efforts to increase manpower and improve the welfare of security personnel were necessary to enable them to confront emerging security threats more effectively.

“The men and women working to secure the country need adequate equipment, training and motivation.

“When security personnel are well-equipped and properly motivated, they are better positioned to respond quickly to threats and protect vulnerable communities,” Mr Egoh said.

The former lawmaker said that the federal government should also deepen collaboration with state governments and local communities, particularly in areas where forests and remote locations had become hideouts for criminal elements.

He added that community-based intelligence remained crucial to preventing attacks, stressing that residents should be encouraged to provide credible information to security agencies without fear of intimidation or reprisal.

Mr Egoh said that the government should sustain its zero-tolerance approach to terrorism while ensuring that security operations were intelligence-led and focused on protecting innocent citizens.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies by providing useful information and cooperating with lawful security measures, saying that the fight against insecurity required collective responsibility.

“Government cannot do it alone. Citizens, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders all have roles to play in making our communities safer.

“We must continue to encourage the security agencies and, at the same time, hold them accountable to their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property,” he said.

The former lawmaker further called for sustained investment in education, employment and community development, particularly in areas vulnerable to recruitment by criminal and extremist groups.

Mr Egoh said addressing the underlying social and economic conditions that create opportunities for criminality would complement military and law-enforcement measures in achieving lasting peace and security.

He expressed optimism that with sustained political will, improved intelligence gathering and stronger cooperation among security agencies, Nigeria could significantly reduce kidnapping, terrorism and other forms of violent crime. 

(NAN)