MONDAY EDITORIAL: Beyond the Rescue—Why Nigeria Must Stop Politicising Security Successes
The safe rescue of kidnapped victims in Oyo State should have been a moment of collective national relief.
It should have reminded Nigerians that despite the country’s security challenges, coordinated action by government institutions can still produce positive outcomes.
Instead, the aftermath has exposed a familiar weakness in Nigeria’s political culture: the tendency to turn every national achievement into a contest over who deserves the credit.
Following the rescue, public commendations reflected what appeared to be a collaborative effort.
The Presidency acknowledged the role of the Oyo State Government and security agencies, while Governor Seyi Makinde also recognised the contributions of the Federal Government and the security operatives involved in the mission.
Ordinarily, that should have reinforced an important message- that security is most effective when institutions work together, regardless of political affiliation.
Unfortunately, the public conversation soon shifted away from the successful rescue itself. Political supporters on different sides began advancing competing narratives over which level of government deserved greater recognition.
Social media platforms quickly amplified the debate, with partisan arguments threatening to overshadow the real story: innocent Nigerians had been brought home safely.
This is a pattern Nigeria can no longer afford.
Insecurity remains one of the country’s greatest challenges. Across different regions, families continue to live with the fear of kidnapping, violent crime and other security threats.
At such a time, every successful operation should strengthen public confidence in the nation’s security architecture, not deepen political divisions.
Security is neither an APC project nor a PDP project. It is a constitutional responsibility shared by all levels of government and the security agencies. Criminals do not ask for the political affiliation of their victims, and citizens seeking protection are far less concerned about which government receives public praise than they are about returning home safely.
The Oyo rescue offers an important lesson. When intelligence is effectively shared, when political leaders cooperate, and when security agencies work with a common purpose, positive results become possible.
That lesson deserves far more attention than the competition for headlines.
Nigeria’s political leaders should see this episode as an opportunity to build stronger partnerships rather than stronger political narratives.
Effective governance is measured not by who claims success first, but by whether lives are protected and public confidence is strengthened.
The men and women who planned and executed the operation deserve professional recognition. So do the institutions that placed public safety above political rivalry. Their success should encourage more collaboration across party lines, especially on issues that directly affect the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum, there will be many opportunities for political parties to debate policies, defend their records and seek public support.
Security operations, however, should not become campaign material. They should remain matters of national interest.
The greatest victory in Oyo was not that one political camp appeared to outperform another. The greatest victory was that families who feared the worst were reunited with their loved ones.
That is the achievement Nigeria should celebrate.
Editorial Board
Headlineswave.ng
