FG vows rescue of abducted pupils in Oyo, Borno as security agencies intensify operations

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that coordinated security operations are underway to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states, reiterating that their safe return remains a top national priority.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to defeating terrorism, stating that security and intelligence agencies have been directed to deploy all lawful measures to rescue the victims and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

At least 82 pupils were abducted between May 13 and 15 in separate incidents across both states.

In Borno, 42 pupils were taken after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14. In Oyo State, 40 pupils were abducted on May 15 during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, in Oriire Local Government Area.

The Oyo incident also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist, and a security operative during rescue efforts.

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Speaking at a national security briefing themed “Unite Against Terror” in Abuja on Thursday, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said the attacks represented a direct assault on Nigeria’s future and human capital development.

He disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities and forest corridors.

Idris said security agencies were working in close coordination but declined to provide operational details, citing the sensitivity of ongoing rescue efforts.

According to him, the Armed Forces, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency, Office of the National Security Adviser, and the National Counter Terrorism Centre are jointly involved in intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement, and search-and-rescue operations.

He said the Tinubu administration had adopted a broader, intelligence-led security strategy anchored on restructuring the country’s security architecture, including the proposed introduction of state policing.

“State policing remains one of the key pillars of this reform agenda aimed at creating a more responsive and locally effective security system,” he said.

The minister added that ongoing military operations had recorded notable gains against terrorist and criminal networks across different regions of the country, including the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-East and South-South.

He cited continued operations under Operation Hadin Kai, noting reported neutralisation of insurgents, rescue of civilians, and disruption of terrorist logistics networks.

Idris also referenced ongoing prosecutions, including the conviction of terrorists linked to the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, and said over 500 terrorism suspects were currently facing trial nationwide.

He further highlighted international collaboration with the United States and regional partners on intelligence sharing, counterterrorism training, border security, and cybersecurity.

Read also: Oyo police debunks false report of release of pupils, teachers in Oriire local government area

On intergovernmental coordination, the minister said federal and state authorities were working closely, particularly in Oyo and Borno, to ensure effective rescue operations and intelligence sharing.

He added that the government’s broader security approach was tied to ongoing economic reforms aimed at addressing underlying drivers of insecurity, including unemployment and underdevelopment.

Idris urged citizens to support security agencies with credible intelligence while calling on the media to avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda.

He stressed that defeating insecurity would require a whole-of-society approach involving government, communities, and other stakeholders.

“An attack on one Nigerian is an attack on all,” he said, adding that the administration remains confident in its ability to overcome current security challenges and restore safety across the country.