President Bola Tinubu has commended the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for rescuing pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, declaring that no ransom was paid and no concession was made to secure their freedom.
The President made the disclosure on Friday following the successful rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity, describing the operation as a testament to the courage, professionalism and resilience of Nigeria’s security agencies.
“Tonight, our nation has reason to give thanks.
“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 on his verified X handle.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when suspected Ansaru terrorists attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting about 39 pupils and seven teachers.
One of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed while in captivity.
The abductors had reportedly demanded the release of two detained Ansaru commanders—Mahmud Muhammad Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Mahmud al-Nigeri, also known as Abubakar Abba or Isah Adam—who were being held by the DSS.
The Federal Government, however, rejected the demand, insisting it would not negotiate with terrorists.
In a separate statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the victims were rescued during a coordinated military, police and intelligence-led operation.
According to the statement, the operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised.
Tinubu praised the security agencies for conducting the rescue without collateral damage.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, 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 led to the arrest of eight of them.
“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular,” he said.
The President also saluted the personnel involved in the operation.
“I salute every officer and operative whose courage, discipline, and professionalism made this possible,” he stated.
Tinubu further commended the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts and urged the state to strengthen security around schools.
“I must commend the Government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” he said.
The President directed relevant emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care, psychosocial support and other relief assistance to the rescued pupils and teachers.
He also pledged that justice would be served for the victims and the family of the slain teacher.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, whom the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he said.
Tinubu warned terrorists that his administration would remain resolute in confronting insecurity across the country.
“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,” the President declared.