Triumph! Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren Rescued, National Heroes Applauded

Forty-four pupils and teachers, abducted from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, were “unconditionally released” after 56 days in captivity. The abduction occurred on May 15 when terrorists invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community High School (Ahoro-Esinele), and L.A. Primary School (Ahoro-Esinele), initially seizing 46 individuals, comprising 39 students and seven teachers. Tragically, one teacher, Adegboye Adesiyan, was killed on the spot, and another, Michael Oyedokun, died in captivity, reducing the number of those ultimately freed to 44.

Their freedom was secured on Friday following a month-long intelligence-driven operation involving a broad coalition of security forces. These included personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigerian Army, and the police, among others. President Bola Tinubu celebrated the successful rescue, commending the “heroic” efforts of the security operatives. He also disclosed that many terrorists were killed during the operation, and eight were arrested, reiterating his administration's commitment to securing justice for the victims and directing emergency agencies to provide necessary medical and relief support in collaboration with the Oyo State Government.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State also lauded the operations, expressing appreciation for President Tinubu and emphasizing that no ransom was paid for the captives' release. The Nigerian Army, through Jonah Danjuma, spokesperson for 2 Division in Ibadan, detailed that the release was the culmination of over a month of coordinated operations designed to target the abducting group’s leadership, logistics, and informant network. The operations were led by General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 2 Division, CR Nnebeife, in partnership with various national security entities, including the ONSA, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the SSS, the armed forces, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Defence Headquarters, police, Amotekun corps, local vigilantes, and hunters.

The security operation focused intensely on identifying the masterminds behind the abduction and systematically dismantling their operational network and hideouts within the expansive Old Oyo National Park forest. Multiple arrests were executed across Oyo State and other regions of the country, effectively disrupting the group’s activities and exerting relentless pressure on its members. Mr. Danjuma explained that these arrests completely disorganised the group, leading them to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. He further affirmed that the operation was meticulously planned to ensure the safe recovery of hostages while preventing collateral damage, though he did acknowledge that security forces sustained casualties without providing specific details.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, praised President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces, and other security agencies for the successful rescue, also commending the Oyo State Government for its close cooperation. The minister highlighted the operation as a testament to the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding schoolchildren nationwide and the Tinubu administration’s resolve to ensure no Nigerian child is abandoned to criminals. He applauded President Tinubu’s leadership throughout the mission and Governor Makinde’s support for the rescue and the subsequent welfare, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the victims.

Dr. Alausa specifically commended the professionalism, courage, and coordination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force, which resulted in the victims' safe rescue and the arrest of suspected kidnappers without harm to the captives. He remarked that the successful rescue was “a moment of great relief for the nation,” reflecting the administration's determination to protect Nigerian lives and showcasing the increasing effectiveness of collaboration among federal and state governments and security agencies. The minister conveyed his congratulations to President Tinubu, expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Government for its support, and profoundly appreciated the bravery and tireless efforts of all security personnel involved, whose dedication restored hope and reaffirmed institutional resolve against criminality.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital, with plans for their reunification with families facilitated by the Oyo State Government. The army spokesperson assured that further operations would continue to track down other members of the terrorist network and dismantle any remaining cells linked to the abduction. The Federal Ministry of Education, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening school safety nationwide under the Renewed Hope Agenda, urging parents, communities, school authorities, and stakeholders to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to maintain secure school environments.