July 10, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed delight over the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, praising the efforts of Nigeria's security agencies for bringing the 56-day ordeal to a peaceful end.
In a statement issued on Friday by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force for their coordinated operation, which secured the victims' release without collateral damage.
According to the statement, the security operation also led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors, while several others were neutralised during the intelligence-driven mission.
The President described the successful rescue as a major relief for the affected families and the nation, noting that the operation ended more than 50 days of anxiety following the abduction.
*"I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists and led to the arrest of eight of them,"* President Tinubu said.
While expressing sympathy to the victims and their families over the trauma they endured, the President vowed that justice would be served for the children, their teachers, and the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed by the abductors.
President Tinubu also commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the rescue efforts and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
In addition, he directed relevant emergency agencies to work closely with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care, psychological support, and other relief services to the rescued children and teachers.
The successful operation marks another significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat kidnapping and improve public safety across the country.