Ex-DSS Chief Explains Why Oyo Rescue Strategy May Not Work in Northern Nigeria

A former Assistant Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has cautioned that the intelligence-led tactics used to rescue abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State may not always produce the same results in parts of Northern Nigeria, where the security environment and operational challenges are significantly different.

Speaking on the successful rescue operation, Amachree said the terrorists involved in the Oyo abduction operated under different conditions compared to insurgent groups active in the North-East and North-West. According to him, factors such as the vast terrain, stronger terrorist networks, and the presence of heavily armed groups make rescue operations in northern states more complex and riskier.

He explained that while the Oyo operation demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration, similar operations in northern regions often require different tactical approaches because insurgent groups there are deeply entrenched and possess greater logistical support. He added that every kidnapping incident should be assessed based on its unique operational realities rather than applying a single rescue model nationwide.

Amachree nevertheless described the Oyo rescue as a major success that sends a strong message to terrorist groups. He said the operation would likely discourage future attacks on schools, noting that criminal groups would now realise that security agencies are capable of sustained intelligence-driven operations leading to the safe recovery of victims.

The former DSS official also renewed calls for the government to strengthen the Safe School Initiative, stressing that preventing attacks should remain the priority. He urged authorities to invest more in intelligence, surveillance and security infrastructure around schools, particularly in vulnerable communities, to reduce the risk of future abductions.