President Bola Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s security agencies following the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted during the Oyo school kidnap, describing the operation as a major victory against criminality after 56 days of captivity.
The victims were freed during a coordinated military, intelligence and police operation that also resulted in the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and the killing of several others. The rescue ended weeks of uncertainty after armed men stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.
The President also pledged that everyone responsible for the abduction and murder of one of the teachers would face justice.
Oyo school kidnap victims regain freedom
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed relief over the successful rescue of all the abducted pupils and teachers.
He described the operation as a carefully planned intelligence-led mission that secured the victims’ release without collateral damage.
According to the President, the successful operation brought an end to more than seven weeks of fear for the affected families and restored hope to Nigerians concerned about growing attacks on schools.
Tinubu commended the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force for their professionalism throughout the rescue mission.
Eight kidnappers arrested during operation
The Presidency confirmed that security operatives arrested eight suspected kidnappers during the rescue exercise.
According to Onanuga, the suspects are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several members of the criminal gang were neutralised during the operation.
He also rejected reports suggesting that authorities exchanged detained suspects to secure the victims’ release.
The presidential spokesman explained that the alleged gang leader whose release was reportedly demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is being prosecuted.
He added that security agencies would provide a detailed briefing on the operation in due course.
Tinubu vows justice after Oyo school kidnap
President Tinubu said the Federal Government would ensure justice for the rescued pupils, their teachers and the family of the late Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed while in captivity.
He directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide immediate medical treatment, trauma counselling and other welfare support for the victims.
The President also urged authorities in Oyo State to strengthen security around schools and improve measures aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
According to him, protecting children remains a national priority.
Makinde defends no-ransom policy
The Oyo State Government described the rescue as evidence that persistence and cooperation with security agencies could defeat criminal groups.
Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade said the state deliberately refused to negotiate with kidnappers through ransom payments despite mounting pressure.
He argued that paying ransom would only encourage more kidnappings and strengthen criminal organisations.
According to the commissioner, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration remained committed to pursuing sustainable security measures capable of addressing kidnapping across the state.
He reaffirmed the government’s determination to continue working with federal security agencies to improve public safety.
School attack shocked the nation
The Oyo school kidnap attracted nationwide attention after gunmen abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
Public concern intensified after reports that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, had been murdered by the kidnappers.
The incident disrupted academic activities across Oyo State and prompted the Nigeria Union of Teachers to embark on an indefinite strike while demanding stronger protection for schools.
The prolonged captivity also renewed national debate over insecurity and the safety of students across Nigeria.
Calls for stronger action against kidnappers
Following the rescue, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, commended President Tinubu and the security agencies for the successful operation.
He described the rescue as proof that intelligence-driven security operations are producing results and called for the swift prosecution of all arrested suspects.
Alli also appealed to Nigerians to continue providing useful information to security agencies to strengthen efforts against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The successful rescue of the Oyo school kidnap victims marks the end of one of Nigeria’s most closely watched abduction cases this year, while renewed commitments from both the Federal Government and Oyo State authorities signal intensified efforts to improve school security and bring those responsible to justice.
