The Senate on Tuesday cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against making comments that could undermine the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping, following his appeal to the United Nations to investigate the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The warning was contained in resolutions adopted after lawmakers considered a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele on the successful rescue of the 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers, as well as the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation.
The Senate applauded the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security operatives for securing the victims’ freedom, while commending President Bola Tinubu for directing security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to ensure their unconditional release after they were abducted by heavily armed terrorists on May 15, 2026.
Lawmakers noted that the rescue operation, which lasted more than 50 days, culminated in the victims’ release on July 10, 2026. The mission also led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were neutralised.
According to the Senate, the operation demonstrated improved professionalism, operational efficiency and effective coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions involved in the mission.
The upper chamber, however, observed that the rescue came at a heavy cost. Lieutenant F.A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force lost their lives during the operation, while Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain sustained injuries.
The Senate also expressed sadness over the death of one of the abducted teachers while in captivity but described the rescue of the remaining victims as a major success that restored hope and confidence among Nigerians, especially parents and school communities.
Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to ensure the immediate payment of all statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements to the families of the fallen security personnel.
They also called for improved welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity for members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
The Senate further urged the Federal Government to intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups by providing modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, improved intelligence capabilities, better logistics and enhanced welfare packages for security personnel.
It also called on security agencies to sustain efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still being held captive across the country.
The caution to Governor Makinde was proposed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.
