Schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected bandits from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after spending about 56 days in captivity.
The rescue was confirmed on Friday by the Presidency, which said security agencies successfully secured the release of all the victims without yielding to the kidnappers’ demands.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to him, several other members of the gang were neutralised, while the notorious kingpin whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is facing prosecution.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.
He added: “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.”
A video released alongside the statement showed one of the rescued teachers expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and members of the security agencies for securing their freedom.
Addressing the President, the teacher said, “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.”
The rescued pupils were also seen eating biscuits before joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir.”
Reacting to the successful operation, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the development as a huge relief for the state.
“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.
President Tinubu also celebrated the rescue, praising the military, the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force for their coordinated efforts in ending the victims’ prolonged captivity.
In a statement issued through Onanuga, the President said the successful operation brought relief to the victims, their families and the nation.
Tinubu sympathised with the rescued children, teachers and their relatives over the trauma they endured and directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide them with medical treatment and other necessary relief support.
He also commended the Oyo State government for collaborating with the federal government throughout the rescue effort and urged authorities to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar attacks.
The victims were abducted when armed men attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School and L.A. Primary School in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
During the attack, a teacher was killed, while another was murdered in captivity, sparking widespread outrage and protests by teachers in Ogbomoso.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) condemned the abduction as “barbaric and inhuman,” warning that persistent attacks on schools could force teachers across the country to withdraw their services.
The union later organised a nationwide rally demanding the victims’ rescue, saying the incident had created fear, panic and emotional trauma among teachers, pupils, parents and affected communities.
