President Bola Tinubu has directed emergency response agencies to provide immediate medical care and relief support for the schoolchildren and teachers rescued after spending 57 days in captivity following their abduction in Oriire, Oyo State.
The President expressed joy over the successful rescue, commending the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force for their coordinated operation that secured the victims’ freedom.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the operation led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised.
President Tinubu described the rescue as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation, praising the security agencies for their determination and professionalism throughout the operation.
He also sympathised with the rescued children, teachers and their families for the trauma they endured during the nearly two-month ordeal.
The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso, Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and led to the arrest of eight of them,” Tinubu said.
“This successful operation has ended the siege of over 50 days and brought relief to the entire nation, especially the affected families. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.”
The President vowed that those responsible for the abduction would face justice, including those involved in the killing of one of the teachers, Mr. Oyedokun.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers, and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, whom the terrorists brutally murdered.
“I must also commend the Oyo State Government for working cooperatively with us to bring this unfortunate incident to a successful conclusion,” he added.
Earlier on Friday, the Presidency announced the rescue of all the abducted pupils and teachers, who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026.
Onanuga disclosed that the eight suspects arrested during the operation are currently in the custody of the DSS, while some members of the gang were neutralised.
He stressed that no ransom or concession was made to secure the victims’ release, noting that the notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is being prosecuted.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo, as the kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will provide a full account of the operation soon,” Onanuga said.
In a video shared by the presidential aide, one of the rescued teachers expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their freedom.
“Mr. President, sir, we are grateful. We appreciate your commitment to our safety and all you did for us. We could see your hand in this.
“Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are sincerely grateful. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.
