The following is a transcription of On the Lord’s Side Podcast presented on GospelBellsRadio on April 7, 2026 by Olufemi Oguntokun. It may not fully match with the audio, but represents a near perfect transcription of the broadcast.
On Leaving No One Behind: A Lesson from a Daring Military Rescue
One of the leading voices on X published this yesterday. He wrote: “I am currently watching a press briefing by President Trump, the CIA Director, and his Defence Secretary about the rescue of an American pilot and a weapons systems officer from the ground in Iran. The extent that America is willing to go to defend and rescue one American is just amazing. In Nigeria, a general was captured, killed, and humiliated by terrorists, and we didn’t see any meaningful action from the Tinubu administration. Members of the Nigerian armed forces are being paid very ridiculous wages, yet politicians and their families are living in opulence.”
There are many aspects to that tweet, but I want to focus on the opening part—what has captured global attention. We are all aware of the ongoing military action involving the United States, Iran, and Israel. While it may not formally be called a “war,” there is clearly a significant military engagement underway.
During this conflict, a senior member of the U.S. military—a colonel serving as a weapons systems officer—found himself behind enemy lines after an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down deep inside Iran. Both crew members ejected safely, and one was rescued quickly. However, the colonel landed in a rugged, mountainous terrain and spent nearly two days evading capture.
The stakes were extremely high. If captured, he would likely have been used as leverage—paraded, tortured, and possibly executed on global television. The Iranians reportedly placed a bounty on his head, mobilizing both military personnel and civilians to search for him.
What followed has been described as one of the most daring and complex rescue missions in modern military history.
Over 150 U.S. aircraft were deployed—fighters, bombers, drones, A-10 Warthogs, helicopters, and transport planes—creating a protective airspace and suppressing enemy movement. Hundreds of elite personnel were involved, including Navy SEAL Team 6, Delta Force, Army Rangers, Air Force pararescue jumpers, and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
There was CIA involvement in deception and intelligence gathering, aided by tracking technology and satellite capabilities. Under the cover of darkness, special forces were inserted, located the colonel, and established a makeshift landing zone in mountainous terrain.
Even when complications arose—such as aircraft getting stuck in the mud—the mission adapted. Additional support aircraft were brought in, and compromised equipment was destroyed.
All of this—for one man.
The colonel was successfully rescued and flown to safety. President Trump described it as one of the most daring operations in U.S. history. And it reflects a core doctrine: leave no one behind.
One must admire the commitment. Any soldier serving in that military would say, “This is a nation worth fighting for. I will not be abandoned.”
Then we bring it home to Nigeria.
We remember Brigadier General Musa Oba, captured in 2025. He escaped, communicated his location, but was recaptured and killed—apparently with no meaningful rescue effort or response.
The contrast is painful.
A broadcaster, Rufai Oseni, broke down in tears recounting the incident—lamenting how a Nigerian general called for help and was never rescued.
We align with that grief.
But for those of us on the Lord’s side, there is a deeper question: Do we, as the Church, operate on the principle of “leave no one behind”?
When one of us falls—into sin, into error, into bondage—do we abandon them? Or do we move heaven and earth to bring them back?
Jesus answered this in Luke 15.
The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep. The woman sweeps her house to find one lost coin. The father waits and runs to embrace the prodigal son.
Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents.
God does not abandon His own. And neither should we.
On Terrorism, Gold, and the Love of Money
Now, I turn to another troubling reality—terrorism in Nigeria and the role of mammon.
Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and mammon.” And as many say, if you want to understand a problem, follow the money.
An investigative report by journalist Jude Beller has revealed alarming findings. According to the report, Nigeria officially recorded exporting just 64 kilograms of gold, while records from the United Arab Emirates show that 16,000 kilograms of gold were received from Nigeria during the same period.
This discrepancy is staggering.
Many are now alleging that illegal gold mining is fueling banditry in states like Zamfara. Foreign actors, in collaboration with local warlords, allegedly exploit these resources. Armed groups secure mining sites, displace communities, and, in the process, engage in killings, village raids, and kidnappings.
Entire communities are uprooted. Lives are destroyed—all for profit.
This is the devastating power of the love of money.
Scripture warns us in 1 Timothy 6:10 that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. People, in pursuit of wealth, pierce themselves through with many sorrows and lead others into destruction.
We must also ask difficult questions: Would this continue if there were no complicity at high levels? As has been said, if lawlessness persists beyond a short time, there is likely complicity somewhere within the system.
As believers, we must guard our hearts. We must never say, “I do not care at what cost this wealth comes.” Because behind some wealth are broken families, displaced communities, and lost lives.
Let this drive us to prayer—fervent prayer—for justice, for exposure of evil, and for divine intervention.
On Power, Corruption, and State Capture in Cameroon
Finally, we turn to Cameroon.
President Paul Biya, who has ruled for over 43 years and is now in his 90s, has reintroduced the office of Vice President—a role abolished in 1972—and has reportedly appointed his son to that position, along with military command.
This is a clear example of state capture.
When one individual or group controls all levers of power, institutions become tools of personal ambition. And as history and Scripture teach us, unchecked power leads to corruption.
We understand this theologically. Humanity is fallen. As David said in Psalm 51, “In sin did my mother conceive me.” We are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners by nature.
Therefore, giving absolute power to fallen humans inevitably leads to abuse.
Why would a 93-year-old leader insist on passing power to his son? Often, it is to preserve systems, protect secrets, and maintain control.
But we are reminded of a greater truth.
Job 5:13 says, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.”
No matter how carefully laid a plan may be, God can overturn it.
When faced with situations that seem fixed—whether in nations, institutions, or personal circumstances—we must turn to God in prayer:
“Lord, catch the crafty in their craftiness. Bring the plans of the wicked to nothing.”
God knows the hearts. He knows the corrupt. He knows those operating under darkness. And He is able to intervene.
Man proposes, but God disposes.
So whether in Cameroon, Nigeria, or anywhere in the world, we place our confidence not in human systems, but in the sovereignty of God.
Good morning once again, and thank you for joining us on GospelBellsRadio for On the Lord’s Side: Christian Perspectives on News and Current Events.
By the grace of God, I will be with you again tomorrow. Whatever you do today, please remain firmly on the Lord’s side.
God bless you. God bless you real good.
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