…Seeks State Police, Stronger Security Measures
By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria (APPMEN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Armed Forces for the successful rescue of the Oyo State schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected criminals, describing the operation as a demonstration of the effectiveness of political will backed by professional military action.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Secretariat, the association praised the courage and professionalism of the military, intelligence operatives and other security agencies involved in the rescue, saying their efforts had renewed hope among Nigerians.
APPMEN noted that the successful operation showed that criminal groups could be defeated through coordinated security operations, urging the Federal Government and security agencies to sustain the momentum by intensifying nationwide offensives against kidnappers, bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements.
The association called for the immediate operationalization of state police, arguing that properly funded, trained and equipped state policing structures would strengthen local intelligence gathering and enhance rapid response to security threats across the country.
It also urged the Federal Government to tighten border security through the deployment of advanced surveillance technology, biometric border control systems and joint military-border patrols to curb the influx of arms and criminal elements through Nigeria’s porous borders.
APPMEN further advocated continuous air and ground operations, improved intelligence sharing among security agencies and the elimination of criminal hideouts across the country’s major security flashpoints.
Among other recommendations, the association called for the strengthening of community security architecture through collaboration with verified vigilante groups and local hunters, the establishment of a national real-time kidnapping and missing persons database, and stronger measures to disrupt the financial networks supporting banditry and kidnapping.
It also recommended enhanced security for schools through regular security audits, perimeter fencing, CCTV surveillance and emergency response protocols, particularly in vulnerable communities, alongside a nationwide media-driven campaign to promote public vigilance, unity and cooperation with security agencies.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, APPMEN pledged to continue supporting government efforts through responsible journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement aimed at promoting peace and accountability.
The association congratulated President Tinubu and the Armed Forces on the successful rescue operation and urged the government to sustain decisive actions to restore lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
