President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a night of national gratitude on Friday after security forces rescued all the pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oyo State. Consequently, the president confirmed that the operation ended without a single concession to the kidnappers.
“The children and teachers abducted by Ansaru terrorists in Oyo State have been rescued by our security forces, alive and unharmed. No ransom was paid. No concession was made,” Tinubu wrote in a statement released through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
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The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen stormed three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, seizing roughly 39 pupils and seven teachers. Tragically, one teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed while in captivity. The terrorists initially demanded the release of two detained Ansaru commanders in exchange for the hostages. However, the federal government rejected that demand outright, and security agencies instead pursued a military, police, and intelligence-led operation that eventually forced the standoff to a close.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” Tinubu said.
According to Onanuga, the operation involved the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services, which worked jointly to track and free the victims. As a result, eight suspected kidnappers now sit in DSS custody, while several others were reportedly neutralised during the raid. “There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities,” Onanuga said.
Despite the celebratory tone, Tinubu acknowledged the trauma the victims endured. Therefore, he pledged that his administration would pursue justice for both the surviving children and teachers and the family of Oyedokun. “My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he stated.
Furthermore, the president praised the Oyo State Government for its cooperation and directed emergency agencies to provide medical care and relief support for the rescued victims, while urging authorities to strengthen security around schools. Governor Seyi Makinde also welcomed the news. “It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” he told Channels Television.
Finally, Tinubu closed his message with a direct warning to those behind the attack and saluted the security personnel involved. “To those who seek to spread fear through terror, know that the Nigerian state will pursue you relentlessly. We will protect our people, defend our communities, and never relent until peace and security prevail across our country,” he said, adding, “I salute every officer and operative whose courage, discipline, and professionalism made this possible.”
Oyo abduction rescue Tinubu — Sojworldnews
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