The 56-day captivity of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, has come to an end following a successful rescue operation by Nigerian security forces, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commend the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for their coordinated efforts.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Friday, July 10, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed profound joy over the safe rescue of the victims, describing it as a major victory against criminal elements.
According to the Presidency, the operation, which followed 56 days of sustained military, police and intelligence efforts, secured the release of all the abducted children and teachers without any collateral damage. The operation also led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several other members of the gang were neutralised.
President Tinubu praised the professionalism and resilience of the security agencies, saying their commitment brought relief to the affected families and the nation.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” the President said.
Describing the rescue as the end of weeks of uncertainty and anguish, Tinubu added:
“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.”
The President also expressed sympathy for the victims and their families over the trauma they endured during the period of captivity, while pledging that justice would be served.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” Tinubu vowed.
He further commended the Oyo State Government for working closely with the Federal Government throughout the rescue mission.
“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” he stated.
President Tinubu also directed relevant emergency response agencies to immediately collaborate with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued pupils and teachers with comprehensive medical care, psychosocial support and other relief assistance to aid their recovery.
The successful operation marks the end of a tense 56-day ordeal that gripped the nation and underscores the continued efforts of Nigerian security agencies to combat kidnapping and restore public confidence in the country’s security architecture.
