FG considers joint security task force to rescue kidnapped students after briefing from DSS DG

FG considers joint security task force to rescue kidnapped students after briefing from DSS DG

The Federal Government is reportedly considering the creation of a joint security task force involving the military, Nigeria Police, DSS, and other agencies as part of intensified efforts to rescue kidnapped students across the country.

The development emerged after the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Ajayi, met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa to brief him on the worsening security situation and rising student abductions.

The meeting was disclosed on Saturday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who posted photographs of Ajayi inside the President’s office. He wrote: “The Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Mr Tosin Adeola Ajayi, briefed President Bola Tinubu on the security situation on Friday night.”

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A presidency source told The PUNCH that discussions focused on planned search-and-rescue operations targeting schoolchildren abducted in the North-West and North-Central regions. When asked to confirm the proposed joint task force, Onanuga said the arrangement “is possible,” though he declined to give further details.

The proposal comes amid a wave of violent attacks on schools and communities. On Monday, gunmen abducted at least 26 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State. Similarly, armed attackers stormed Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Kwara State, killing two worshippers and kidnapping 38 others.

On Friday, bandits invaded St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara LGA of Niger State, abducting more than 303 pupils and 12 teachers, one of the largest school abductions in recent years.

Responding to the Kebbi incident, President Tinubu on Thursday ordered the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to the state and remain on ground to coordinate rescue operations and supervise efforts to recover the missing girls.

The federal government is expected to announce additional security measures as authorities intensify efforts to curb the escalating kidnapping crisis.

FG considers joint security task force to rescue kidnapped students after briefing from DSS DG