Tinubu Orders Full-Scale Rescue Mission for Abducted Oyo and Borno Schoolchildren, Deploys Special Security Measures

President Bola Tinubu has ordered an intensified nationwide rescue operation to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states, as public concern grows over renewed assaults on educational institutions.

Speaking at a national security press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the President had directed security agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure the safe return of those still in captivity.

The minister's remarks come amid mounting outrage over recent kidnappings that have triggered protests in parts of the country, including Abuja.

On May 15, armed men reportedly abducted 39 students and seven teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Two people were killed during the attack, while one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later reported dead in captivity.

In a separate incident, about 42 children were abducted from a school in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

Idris described the attacks as an assault on Nigeria’s future, stressing that the safety of children and educators remains a top priority for the federal government.

“The President has made it clear that no child belongs in captivity, and no effort will be spared to ensure the safe return of every victim and the prosecution of those responsible,” he said.

According to the minister, Tinubu has approved the deployment of a specialised rescue team and directed security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement and search-and-rescue operations.

He added that the President has also authorised the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security coverage in vulnerable communities and forested areas often used as hideouts by criminal groups.

Idris said multiple security and intelligence agencies, including the Armed Forces, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), are working together to secure the victims' release.

While acknowledging the country's persistent security challenges, the minister said the administration is pursuing broader reforms, including plans for state policing, intelligence-led operations and socio-economic programmes aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity.

He maintained that the government has recorded significant gains against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping since May 2023, with hundreds of criminal elements neutralised, arrested or forced to surrender.

Calling for national unity, Idris urged Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious narratives surrounding insecurity, insisting that terrorism affects all citizens regardless of region or background.

“Terrorism has no tribe, no religion and no political affiliation. An attack against one Nigerian is an attack against all Nigerians,” he said.

The minister also appealed to media organisations to report security matters responsibly, warning that sensational coverage could inadvertently aid the objectives of terrorist groups.

Reassuring families of the abducted victims, Idris said the government remains fully committed to securing their release and restoring confidence in the safety of schools across the country.

“Nigeria has faced difficult moments before and emerged stronger. We shall defeat terrorism, protect our schools and safeguard our children,” he said.