The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno states remains a top priority, while reaffirming its commitment to defeating terrorism and restoring security across the country.
Speaking during a national security briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the recent school abductions as a direct attack on Nigeria’s future, stressing that the government would spare no effort in securing the victims’ release.
At least 82 pupils were kidnapped in separate attacks between May 13 and May 15 in Oyo and Borno states. In Borno, 42 pupils were abducted during attacks on schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas, while 40 pupils were taken during coordinated raids on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to Idris, President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to deploy all lawful measures necessary to rescue those in captivity and ensure those behind the attacks face justice.
He disclosed that a specialised rescue team had been activated and that the President had also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security around vulnerable communities and forest regions.
The minister said security agencies, including the Armed Forces, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency, Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre, are working together on intelligence gathering, surveillance and rescue operations.
While withholding operational details for security reasons, Idris assured Nigerians that efforts to locate and free the victims were ongoing without interruption.
He noted that the Tinubu administration had adopted a broader, intelligence-driven approach to tackling insecurity, combining military operations, technological support, intelligence coordination, regional cooperation and socio-economic interventions.
According to him, hundreds of terrorists and criminal elements have been neutralised, arrested or forced to surrender since the administration took office in May 2023, while numerous kidnapping victims have also been rescued.
Providing updates on security operations, Idris said troops in the North-East had recently repelled several terrorist attacks and eliminated dozens of insurgents. He added that major operations had disrupted terrorist logistics networks and led to the rescue of civilians held captive by extremist groups.
He also highlighted ongoing military and police operations against bandits and kidnappers in the North-West and North-Central regions, noting that several criminal camps had been dismantled and suspects arrested.
The minister pointed to recent terrorism-related convictions as evidence of the government's determination to combat insecurity through both military action and the justice system. He revealed that over 500 terrorism suspects are currently facing trial, with hundreds already convicted.
On security reforms, Idris said the Federal Government remains committed to restructuring the country’s policing system, describing state policing as a key component of ongoing reforms aimed at improving local security responses.
He further noted that Nigeria has strengthened security partnerships with countries such as the United States, particularly in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism operations and military training.
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Idris also praised collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments, particularly in Oyo and Borno states, where authorities are jointly coordinating rescue efforts and intelligence operations.
He stressed that long-term security would depend on economic growth and improved living conditions, arguing that investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education and job creation would help reduce the conditions that fuel insecurity.
Calling for national unity, the minister urged citizens, the media and community leaders to support security agencies by providing credible information and resisting the spread of misinformation.
“To the families whose children and loved ones remain in captivity, your pain is our pain,” he said. “Every available resource is being deployed, and every intelligence lead is being pursued.”
He expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges, insisting that terrorism would not be allowed to define the country's future.
“We shall defeat terrorism, protect our schools, safeguard our children, and continue building a nation where every Nigerian can live and prosper in peace,” Idris stated.
