By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has urged President Bola Tinubu to confer the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Nigeria’s top military leaders, citing recent security successes in Oyo and Borno states.
Agbese made the call on Sunday in Abuja during *The State of Affairs* gathering with security experts and professionals.
He said the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo and the foiling of a planned mass abduction in Borno reflect the military’s growing operational effectiveness.
He specifically commended the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other senior military officers for what he described as intelligence-driven operations that have restored hope to many families.
“The successful rescue of the Oriire victims after 56 days in captivity and the swift response that prevented another school abduction in Monguno show the growing effectiveness of our security architecture,” Agbese said.
He argued that the military leadership deserves the GCON, Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, for its role in tackling insurgency, banditry and other security threats.
In the early hours of Sunday, suspected ISWAP fighters reportedly attacked the Federal Government Girls College in Monguno, Borno State, where students of a polytechnic were temporarily staying.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, repelled the attack and safely evacuated all 46 students to Kinnasara Barracks. Security agencies have since launched a manhunt for the fleeing terrorists.
Agbese praised the troops for preventing what he described as another national tragedy, saying their professionalism should inspire confidence across the country.
He also applauded security agencies for rescuing pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.
The victims regained their freedom after 56 days in captivity through what security officials described as a coordinated intelligence-led operation.
The lawmaker said recognising outstanding service would boost the morale of security personnel and strengthen public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
“As a member of the opposition, I believe in giving credit where it is due. Honouring our security chiefs with GCON will show that excellence in protecting Nigerians rises above partisan politics,” he said.
Agbese also urged the Federal Government to sustain investments in military equipment, intelligence gathering and the welfare of security personnel to consolidate recent security gains.
