Senate backs troops, rejects Makinde’s call for UN probe of Oriire kidnap

The Senate on Tuesday threw its weight behind the military’s ongoing offensive against terrorists, urging the Federal Government to sustain and intensify security operations nationwide while rejecting Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction and rescue of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

The red chamber described the governor’s appeal for an independent international investigation as inappropriate, warning against the politicisation of a sensitive national security matter.

The position followed a motion moved by Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Leader, which was unanimously adopted by senators.

The motion titled “Commendation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies for the Successful Rescue of Abducted School Children and Their Teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, and Recognition of the Gallant Security Personnel Who Paid the Supreme Sacrifice During the Operation.”

The Senate noted that terrorists had on May 15, 2026, invaded schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, an incident it described as a direct attack on the right of Nigerian children to education in a safe environment.

Lawmakers recalled that following the incident, President Tinubu directed security and intelligence agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the victims’ release.

According to the motion, the victims regained their freedom on July 10 after a coordinated rescue operation that lasted more than 50 days and led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were neutralised.

The Senate noted that terrorists had on May 15, 2026, invaded schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State and abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, an incident it described as a direct attack on the right of Nigerian children to education in a safe environment.

One of the resolutions adopted by the Senate reads, “The Senate commends His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his decisive leadership, strategic direction and unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.”

“The Senate commends His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his decisive leadership, strategic direction, and unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture,” one of the key prayers of the motion stated.

Read also: Makinde seeks UN probe into Oriire kidnapping, confirms eight killed in rescue effort

The Senate also paid tribute to security personnel who died during the rescue mission, observing a minute’s silence in honour of Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa of the Nigerian Army’s 81 Battalion, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force.

Senators further acknowledged the bravery of Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries during the operation, and urged the authorities to ensure he receives full medical treatment and welfare benefits.

During debate on the motion, former Edo State governor and senator,

Adams Oshiomhole, criticised Governor Makinde’s call for a UN investigation, arguing that it undermined the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and the Federal Government’s efforts against insecurity.

“He should not be seen as undermining or downgrading an issue for which we should commend the government,” Oshiomhole said as the Senate unanimously adopted the additional prayer rejecting the governor’s position.

The Senate said the call amounted to an attempt to “trivialise” the Federal Government’s efforts in tackling insecurity and described it as “most unstatesmanlike”.

While commending the Oriire rescue operation, several senators stressed that many kidnapping cases across the country remain unresolved and urged the government to deploy the same level of commitment to securing the release of all victims still in captivity.

Adamu Aliero noted that schoolchildren remained in captivity in parts of Borno State and Yobe State.

“What the armed forces did is worthy of commendation. However, there are other children in captivity in other parts of the country, particularly in Borno and Yobe states.

“We have to put in efforts to free them too so that we can all be free of criminal activities,” he said.

Aliero added that schools in Kebbi State, Kaduna State, Katsina State and other states had also suffered kidnappings, urging the government to “redouble their efforts to rescue abductees.”

Senators Victor Umeh, Mohammed Monguno and, Titus Zam, echoed the call for intensified rescue efforts nationwide.

Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to ensure prompt payment of death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements owed to families of security personnel who died in the line of duty.

They recommended that compensation should not be limited to officers involved in the Oriire operation but extended to all security personnel who have suffered losses in previous operations across the country.

The Senate further urged the Federal Government to sustain and intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal groups through improved funding, modern equipment, surveillance technology, logistics and enhanced welfare packages for security personnel.

Senators said the resolutions were aimed at boosting the morale of frontline troops while reinforcing national support for ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Nigeria.