The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has reaffirmed the Corps’ unwavering commitment to the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative, while commending the professionalism, resilience, and effective collaboration of the Joint Security Team that successfully rescued 44 abducted pupils and teachers in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims, who were abducted by terrorists on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom following a well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation. This successful mission involved personnel from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army Special Forces, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Prof. Audi described the successful rescue mission as a clear demonstration of the strength of inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism, securing educational institutions, and protecting the lives and property of all citizens.
The Commandant General applauded the courage, professionalism, and sacrifice displayed by all the security agencies involved in the operation. He reiterated that the NSCDC would continue to strengthen the protection of schools and other Critical National Assets and Infrastructure through proactive intelligence gathering, strategic deployment of personnel, community engagement, and sustained collaboration with sister security agencies.
Furthermore, he urged Nigerians to continue playing their role by supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could lead to the arrest of criminal elements, emphasizing that ensuring national security remains a collective responsibility.
“Let me reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the NSCDC High Command to the steadfast discharge of the Corps’ statutory mandate,” Prof. Audi stated. “This includes protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, mitigating disasters, rescuing victims during emergencies, and training and supervising Private Guard Companies, among other duties. The Corps will continue to sustain a strong synergy with other security agencies to ensure a safer, more secure, and peaceful Nigeria.”
Signed:
Afolabi Babawale, ANIPR
Assistant Commandant of Corps
National Public Relations Officer
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
