All kidnapped pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, have been rescued after spending 56 days in captivity. Eight suspected kidnappers were arrested, and several others were killed during the rescue operation. Authorities confirmed that no ransom or prisoner exchange was made to secure the victims' freedom.
Rescue Operation Details
The rescue was confirmed on Friday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who stated that security operatives successfully freed all victims without granting any demands. "Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies," Onanuga said. He added that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested and are now in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Some suspects were neutralized during the operation, and a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is facing prosecution.
"In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. 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. The security agencies will give full account soon," Onanuga added.
Presidential and Government Reactions
President Bola Tinubu highly commended the joint intelligence-driven operation by the Military, DSS, and Police that cracked the kidnapping ring without paying a ransom. He described the operation as a major relief for the rescued children, their teachers, their families, and the entire country. The President also sympathized with the victims over the trauma they experienced and directed emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care and other support as they recover.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the rescue as a huge relief after weeks of anxiety. "It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much," he said.
Victims Express Gratitude
A video released after the rescue showed one of the teachers thanking President Tinubu and security agencies for bringing them back alive. The rescued children, while eating biscuits, also joined her in expressing gratitude. "Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much," the teacher said.
Background of the Kidnapping
The incident occurred on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area. The attackers stormed Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, kidnapping dozens of pupils, teachers, and a school principal. One teacher was killed during the invasion, and another reportedly died while being held captive.
The incident sparked outrage across Nigeria, with teachers staging protests in Ogbomoso and demanding urgent action. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) condemned the attack as "barbaric and inhuman" and warned that repeated attacks on schools could force teachers across the country to withdraw their services. The union later organized a nationwide rally, insisting that schools should be safe spaces for children and teachers.
Government’s Commitment to School Security
President Tinubu further commended Governor Makinde's administration for working closely with the Federal Government throughout the rescue effort and urged authorities to improve security around schools to stop similar attacks. Following the extended 8-week ordeal, President Tinubu has ordered emergency management agencies to swiftly provide deep medical care and psychological rehabilitation for the victims.
