Tinubu orders full-scale rescue of abducted schoolchildren

President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday as part of the #UniteAgainstTerror campaign, Mohammed Idris said the president had ordered a comprehensive rescue operation and instructed security agencies to deploy all lawful resources necessary to bring the victims home safely.

The minister’s remarks come amid growing public outrage over a series of attacks on schools across the country, which have sparked protests in several cities, including Abuja.

On May 15, armed men invaded three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting about 39 students and seven teachers. Two people were killed during the attack, while one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later reportedly killed by his captors.

In another incident, approximately 42 children were reportedly taken from a school in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State in mid-May.

Describing the attacks as assaults on Nigeria’s future, Idris said the kidnappings were not only crimes against the affected families and communities but also attacks on education and national values.

He assured Nigerians that the federal government remains committed to securing the release of all those still in captivity.

“The safe return of every child and teacher currently being held remains a top national priority,” Idris said.

According to him, President Tinubu has made it clear that no effort will be spared in rescuing the victims and ensuring that those behind the abductions face justice.

The minister disclosed that a specialised rescue team has been deployed as part of ongoing efforts to locate and recover the kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers.

He also announced that the president had approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to improve security coverage in vulnerable communities and forested areas often used by criminal groups.

Idris noted that the Borno abduction bore similarities to previous attacks carried out by terrorist organisations seeking to disrupt education and destabilise communities in the North-East.

While declining to provide operational details, he said several security and intelligence agencies were working together on the rescue missions.

These include the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).

He added that intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement and search-and-rescue operations are continuing as authorities work to secure the victims’ release.