Nigeria, July 15 -- There are moments when an entire nation seems to breathe again.

The announcement on Friday, 10 July that all 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State had finally regained their freedom was one such moment. After 56 days of fear, uncertainty, and prayers, the children were coming home. Families that had lived between hope and despair could embrace their loved ones once more.

It was an operation worthy of commendation. Acting on painstaking intelligence, personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services tracked the abductors, rescued the victims, neutralised at least nine kidnappers, and arrested eight others.

For many ...