THE Federal Government has assured Nigerians that efforts are underway to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno states, describing their safe return as a top national priority while reaffirming its determination to defeat terrorism across the country.
News Point Nigeria reports that the government said security agencies are deploying all lawful measures available to rescue those currently in captivity and ensure that the perpetrators of the attacks are brought to justice.
The assurance comes amid growing concern over the abduction of at least 82 pupils between May 13 and May 15 during separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states.
In Borno State, 42 pupils were kidnapped after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14.
Similarly, in Oyo State, another 40 pupils were abducted on May 15 during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Oyo attack also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist and a security operative who was involved in rescue efforts.
Speaking at a special national security press briefing themed “Unite Against Terror” at Radio House, Abuja, on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the attacks on schools as a direct assault on Nigeria’s future.
“This press briefing comes at a sobering moment in our nation’s history. Recent events in Oyo and Borno States have once again tested our collective resolve as a people,” he said.
“The abduction of innocent school children and their teachers is not merely an attack on families or communities; it is an attack on the future of our nation, on education, and on the values that bind us together as Nigerians.”
Speaking on behalf of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government, Idris assured citizens that every effort was being made to rescue the victims.
“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government of Nigeria, I wish to assure all Nigerians that the safe return of every child and every teacher currently in captivity remains a top national priority,” he stated.
According to the minister, President Tinubu has directed all security agencies to deploy every lawful instrument available to secure the release of the victims.
“The President has made it clear that no child belongs in captivity and that no effort will be spared in ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice.
“He has directed that every lawful instrument available to the Nigerian state be deployed towards achieving this objective, including the deployment of a specialised rescue team.
“He has also authorised the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security presence across vulnerable communities and forests within the state.”
While declining to disclose operational details for security reasons, Idris said multiple security and intelligence agencies were working in close coordination to rescue the victims and track down those responsible.
According to him, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Intelligence Agency, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre are actively involved in the operation.
“Intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement, and search-and-rescue operations are continuing without interruption,” he added.
The minister said the Tinubu administration had adopted a broader and intelligence-driven strategy to tackle insecurity beyond the deployment of military force.
“What distinguishes the Tinubu Administration’s response is not merely the deployment of force but the adoption of a comprehensive, intelligence-led approach to national security, combined with an ongoing and long-overdue overhaul of the nation’s security architecture,” he said.
Idris identified state policing as one of the major pillars of the administration’s ongoing security reforms.
“One of the pillars of this overhaul is the determined implementation of state policing.
“President Tinubu is determined to ensure that one of his legacies is the delivery of a restructured policing system that is dynamic, flexible, and fit-for-purpose — one that truly empowers and secures local communities.”
The minister noted that President Tinubu inherited a highly complex security environment but had pursued a strategy combining military operations, intelligence coordination, technology deployment, regional collaboration and socio-economic interventions.
According to him, Nigeria has recorded notable successes against terrorist and criminal networks since May 2023.
“Hundreds of terrorists and criminal elements have been neutralised, arrested, or forced to surrender.
“Numerous victims of kidnapping have been rescued across various parts of the country,” he said.
Providing updates from the North-East, Idris disclosed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai had continued to record gains against insurgents from Boko Haram and ISWAP.
“In the past week alone, the Nigerian Army and Air Force, acting on credible intelligence, successfully repelled multiple infiltration attempts along the Kirawa-Pulka and Ngoshe axes in Borno State.
“Follow-up operations led to the neutralisation of over 50 terrorists, including several high-value targets.”
He further revealed that military records indicated that approximately 1,000 terrorists, including several commanders, were eliminated during the first quarter of 2026.
“A major breakthrough was recorded in mid-May through a joint Nigeria-United States-supported operation that disrupted terrorist logistics networks and eliminated key ISWAP commanders.
“Security forces additionally rescued 92 civilians from terrorist captivity near Buratai, while enhanced security deployments ensured that Eid-el-Kabir celebrations proceeded peacefully across key areas of the North-East.”
The minister also reported intensified military and police operations in the North-West and North-Central regions.
According to him, bandit groups and kidnapping syndicates operating across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna and neighbouring states are facing increasing pressure from security forces.
“Several criminal camps have been dismantled, numerous suspects arrested, and intelligence-led operations have continued to deny criminal elements freedom of movement,” he said.
Idris added that security agencies were equally sustaining operations in the South-East and South-South against criminal networks, oil thieves and economic saboteurs.
He noted that enhanced maritime security operations by the Nigerian Navy had contributed significantly to reducing oil theft.
According to him, these efforts have resulted in an increase of about 400,000 barrels per day in crude oil production since President Tinubu assumed office.
The minister also highlighted recent developments in terrorism-related prosecutions, particularly the conviction of four terrorists over the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church.
“Just yesterday, the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted and sentenced four terrorists to death for their involvement in the horrific attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, in June 2022, one of the most tragic terrorist incidents in our nation’s recent history,” he said.
“The judgment demonstrates that terrorism is being confronted not only on the battlefield but also through the rule of law.
“It sends a clear message that those who commit acts of terror against Nigerians will be pursued, prosecuted, and punished in accordance with the law.”
Idris further disclosed that more than 500 terrorism suspects are currently facing trial nationwide.
“Additionally, in April 2026, Nigeria commenced one of the largest terrorism prosecutions in its history, with more than 500 suspects facing trial for alleged involvement in terrorist activities and support for militant groups.
“According to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, 508 terrorism-related cases were brought before the courts during the latest phase of the trials, resulting in 386 convictions.”
On international cooperation, the minister said Nigeria had significantly strengthened its security partnership with the United States and other international allies.
“The relationship between Nigeria and the United States has grown significantly stronger under this administration, particularly in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism cooperation, military training, border security, cybersecurity, and capacity building for security personnel,” he said.
He added that Nigeria was also collaborating with neighbouring countries and international partners to prevent terrorists from exploiting porous borders.
The minister commended the level of cooperation between the Federal Government and state governments, particularly regarding efforts to rescue the abducted Oyo schoolchildren.
“In the case of the Oyo abductions, President Tinubu has maintained close coordination with Governor Seyi Makinde and state security authorities.
“Both levels of government are sharing intelligence, coordinating rescue operations, and mobilising resources towards securing the release of the victims.”
He disclosed that similar collaboration was ongoing in Borno State involving federal agencies, state authorities and local stakeholders.
Idris argued that sustainable security would ultimately depend on economic growth, prosperity and inclusive development.
“There is a fundamental point to be made: that the enduring solution to Nigeria’s security challenges lies in shared and inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity.
“This is why President Tinubu is championing the most ambitious, forward-looking, and productive economic reforms in our nation’s history.”
According to him, investments in roads, railways, housing, power, healthcare and other critical infrastructure would create opportunities and improve the welfare of citizens.
“This is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about — boundless opportunities for hardworking Nigerians to succeed at what they do, whether as farmers, entrepreneurs, artisans, traders, academic workers, students, or white-collar workers.”
Calling for national unity, the minister stressed that defeating insecurity requires collective action from all sectors of society.
“Let me reiterate that the fight against insecurity cannot be won by any single institution acting alone. It requires partnership, trust, and a common purpose.
“Government action alone is not enough. Terrorists thrive on fear, division, misinformation, and public despair. Their objective is not only to kidnap or kill; it is to weaken national unity and undermine confidence in our institutions. We must not allow them to succeed.”
He urged journalists to report responsibly and avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda while encouraging citizens to provide credible intelligence and promptly report suspicious activities.
“Defeating terrorism requires a whole-of-society approach. Nigeria must remain secure and united, because only in an atmosphere of peace and stability can our democracy, economy, media, and national aspirations continue to flourish,” he stated.
Explaining the significance of the briefing’s theme, Idris added:
“Whether in Oyo, Borno, Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, the South-East, or any other part of Nigeria, an attack against one Nigerian is an attack against all Nigerians.
“Terrorism has no tribe. Terrorism has no religion. Terrorism has no political affiliation. Its only purpose is destruction.”
Addressing families whose loved ones remain in captivity, the minister conveyed a message of reassurance from President Tinubu.
“To the families whose children and loved ones remain in captivity, I convey the assurances of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Your pain is our pain. Your government — our government — has not forgotten you.
“Every available resource is being deployed. Every security agency remains engaged. Every intelligence lead is being pursued.”
Expressing confidence that the country would overcome the challenge, Idris declared:
“Nigeria has faced difficult moments before and emerged stronger. We shall overcome this challenge as well. We shall defeat terrorism. We shall protect our schools.
“We shall safeguard our children. And we shall continue to build a nation where every Nigerian can live, learn, work, and prosper in peace.
“Together, united in purpose and unwavering in resolve, we will ensure that terrorism has no future in Nigeria.”