Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has commended the Nigerian military for rescuing abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, but sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu for failing to personally address the nation following the operation. In a statement released on Saturday, July 11, 2026, and signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku described the rescue as a moment of profound relief for the affected families and millions of Nigerians who had kept the captives in their prayers.
Atiku Praises Gallant Troops
“The rescue of innocent schoolchildren from the hands of terrorists is a victory for our gallant troops and a source of hope for every Nigerian family. They deserve the gratitude of the nation,” Atiku said. He emphasized that the successful operation was a testament to the bravery and dedication of the armed forces, calling for national recognition of their efforts.
Criticism of Tinubu’s Silence
Atiku noted the irony that the Ogbomoso schoolchildren regained their freedom on the same day the ruling party formally launched its door-to-door campaign ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He argued that a responsible government should have prioritized the rescue mission over political activities. “No serious government should be consumed by the politics of re-election while innocent schoolchildren have remained in the custody of kidnappers for weeks,” he stated.
According to Atiku, President Tinubu ought to have immediately addressed the nation alongside his defense chiefs after the operation concluded. Instead, the responsibility of announcing the rescue was handed to the President’s spokesman, while Tinubu remained publicly engaged in political activities. Atiku described this as a failure of presidential leadership. “The Commander-in-Chief is more than a constitutional title; it is a moral responsibility. In moments of national triumph and national grief, Nigerians expect to see their President embody that office,” he said.
No Room for Celebration Yet
Atiku stressed that the Oyo rescue should not obscure the reality that many Nigerians, including schoolchildren in Borno and other parts of the country, remain in captivity. “One successful rescue must not become an excuse for self-congratulation. A nation cannot celebrate while other parents still go to bed not knowing whether their children are alive or dead,” he warned.
He called on the federal government to sustain relentless pressure on terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers until every abducted Nigerian is returned home safely. Atiku urged President Tinubu to understand that visible presidential leadership after military successes strengthens public confidence, boosts troop morale, and sends a clear signal to criminal elements. “The greatest campaign any President can undertake is not for re-election but for the safety and security of the Nigerian people,” Atiku concluded.
Tinubu Reacts to Rescue
Earlier, President Tinubu expressed relief over the rescue of all schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, praising the security agencies responsible for ending the 56-day ordeal. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced the development on Friday, July 10, 2026, via his official X account, confirming that every abducted pupil and teacher had been freed.
