President Tinubu Commends Security Agencies as Eight Suspected Kidnappers Arrested
By Ohimai Esezobor
The schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending about 56 days in captivity.
The Presidency announced on Thursday that the victims were rescued through a coordinated operation by Nigerian security agencies.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while some other suspects were neutralised.
According to the Presidency, the rescue was carried out without any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, despite demands for the release of a notorious gang leader, who remains in custody and is being prosecuted.
A video released after the rescue showed one of the freed teachers thanking President Bola Tinubu and security operatives for securing their release, while the rescued pupils also expressed gratitude.
Reacting to the development, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described the rescue as a major relief, expressing joy over the safe return of the victims.
President Tinubu also commended the military, DSS and the Nigeria Police Force for the successful operation, describing it as a significant achievement.
The President sympathised with the rescued children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged captivity and directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide them with medical care, rehabilitation and other necessary support.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area. A teacher was killed during the attack, while another later died in captivity, sparking nationwide outrage and protests by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT).
