The Senate has urged the Federal Government to promptly pay death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements to the families of security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and co-sponsored by 108 senators during Tuesday’s plenary.
Lawmakers also called on the Federal Government to intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements by providing improved equipment, logistics, surveillance technology and enhanced welfare for security personnel.
According to a statement by the Office of the Senate Leader, those killed during the over 50-day rescue operation were Lieutenant F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Senate also disclosed that Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain of the 81 Battalion sustained injuries during the operation.
Commending President Bola Tinubu for his leadership, Bamidele said the intelligence-led operation secured the release of the victims after 56 days in captivity, led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists and the neutralisation of several others.
He, however, noted that one of the abducted teachers died in captivity, while describing the rescue of the remaining victims as a major success.
The Senate further urged Nigerians to support security agencies through timely intelligence and cooperation in the fight against insecurity nationwide.
