The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno States, describing their safe return as a top national priority while reaffirming its commitment to defeating terrorism in the country.
The government also reiterated that security agencies are deploying all lawful measures to rescue those in captivity and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
At least 82 pupils were abducted between May 13 and May 15 during separate attacks in Oyo and Borno States.
In Borno State, 42 pupils were reportedly kidnapped after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14.
In Oyo State, another 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 attack also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist, and a security operative during rescue efforts.
Speaking at a special national security press briefing themed “Unite Against Terror” at Radio House, Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the attacks on schools amounted to an assault on the country’s future.
“This press briefing comes at a sobering moment in our nation’s history. Recent events in Oyo and Borno States have once again tested our collective resolve as a people.
“The abduction of innocent school children and their teachers is not merely an attack on families or communities; it is an attack on the future of our nation, on education, and on the values that bind us together as Nigerians,” Idris stated.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government, the minister assured that the safe return of all abducted persons remains a national priority.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria, I wish to assure all Nigerians that the safe return of every child and every teacher currently in captivity remains a top national priority,” he said.
According to Idris, President Tinubu has directed security agencies to deploy all lawful means to secure the release of the victims.
“The President has made it clear that no child belongs in captivity and that no effort will be spared in ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice.
“He has directed that every lawful instrument available to the Nigerian state be deployed towards achieving this objective, including the deployment of a specialised rescue team.
“He has also authorised the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security presence across vulnerable communities and forests within the state,” the minister said.
Idris noted that security and intelligence agencies were working in coordination, though operational details could not be disclosed for strategic reasons.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Intelligence Agency, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the National Counter Terrorism Centre are actively involved in ongoing efforts.
“Intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement, and search-and-rescue operations are continuing without interruption,” he added.
He further stated that the administration’s approach to insecurity goes beyond military action, stressing that a broader, intelligence-led strategy is being implemented alongside reforms of the national security architecture.
