The Federal Government has issued a firm assurance to Nigerians that the rescue of pupils and teachers recently abducted in Oyo and Borno states is a top national priority. During a special security press briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, condemned the recent attacks on schools as a direct assault on the nation's future. The government reaffirmed its unwavering determination to defeat terrorism, stating that all lawful security measures and specialized rescue teams are being deployed to secure the release of those in captivity and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Between May 13 and 15, 2026, at least 82 pupils were abducted during coordinated attacks in the two states. In Borno, 42 pupils were taken from schools in the Askira Uba and Chibok areas, while in Oyo, 40 pupils were abducted from three different schools in the Oriire Local Government Area. The Oyo incident also resulted in the tragic deaths of a mathematics teacher, a security operative, and a motorcyclist. Minister Idris conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s message to the affected families, assuring them that the government is fully engaged in the rescue efforts and that no effort will be spared in ensuring their loved ones return home safely.
To address the broader security crisis, the Federal Government is implementing a comprehensive overhaul of the national security architecture, which includes the strategic rollout of state policing. The Minister highlighted that President Tinubu has authorized the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen surveillance and security presence in vulnerable communities. This intelligence-led approach, combined with increased use of technology, aerial surveillance, and regional collaboration, is intended to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and dismantle the networks that exploit forest corridors across the country.
Providing updates on ongoing military operations, the Minister noted significant gains against insurgent groups. In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralized over 50 terrorists in the past week, with approximately 1,000 terrorists, including key commanders, eliminated during the first quarter of 2026. Similar intensive operations are underway in the North-West, North-Central, and the South-East to suppress banditry, kidnapping syndicates, and economic sabotage. Furthermore, the government is pursuing aggressive legal action against terrorism, recently securing the death sentences for four terrorists involved in the 2022 Owo church attack, with over 500 other suspects currently facing trial.
The Federal Government emphasized that achieving lasting security requires a collective, "whole-of-society" approach. Minister Idris urged citizens to remain united, report suspicious activities to security agencies, and resist the fear or misinformation that terrorists aim to spread. He reiterated that the administration’s "Renewed Hope Agenda" is focused not just on military intervention, but on driving inclusive economic growth, which serves as the fundamental long-term solution to Nigeria's security challenges. The briefing concluded with a firm declaration that the nation remains committed to protecting its schools and ensuring that terrorism has no future in Nigeria.
