Nigerian security forces rescued pupils and teachers abducted on May 15 in Oyo State. The victims were freed unharmed on July 10 with no ransom paid. President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde credited coordinated operations by the military, police and DSS.
President Bola Tinubu announced the rescue on July 10. He said security forces freed the victims alive and unharmed after they were taken by Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area. Tinubu added that no ransom was paid and no concessions were made.
Governor Seyi Makinde noted the abduction occurred on May 15, eight weeks earlier, shortly after his 2027 presidential declaration. He thanked Tinubu, the military, police and DSS for ending weeks of anxiety for families.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa praised the operation. They said the arrests and neutralisation of some abductors showed Nigeria was becoming hostile to kidnappers. The Council of Fulani Chiefs in South West Nigeria also hailed the agencies for their professionalism.
Professor Wale Alamu, husband of the freed principal, described the release as the end of eight weeks of agony. He urged authorities to review security around schools to prevent future incidents.
