The Presidency on Friday confirmed the rescue of kidnapped pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after about eight weeks in captivity.
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development in a post on his verified X handle @aonanuga1956.
“Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors,” he wrote.
The Presidency said the rescue was the outcome of sustained security operations which also foiled the abductors’ attempt to secure the release of one of their detained leaders.
Providing further details, Onanuga said: “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.”
He dismissed reports that the victims were freed through negotiations or a prisoner exchange.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, whose release the kidnappers demanded, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give a full account soon,” he added.
Reacting to the development, President Bola Tinubu expressed profound joy at the successful rescue of the children and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso.
In a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the military, the DSS and the police for working round the clock for 56 days to secure the release of the victims without collateral damage. Eight abductors were arrested and others neutralised during the operation.
Tinubu regretted the anguish suffered by the children, their teachers, families and the nation since the incident.
“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 and led to the arrest of eight of them.
“This successful 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,” the President said.
He also commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation and directed emergency agencies to work with the state to provide medical and relief support to the freed victims.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed bandits attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA. A total of 46 people — 39 students and seven teachers — were taken. One of the abducted teachers was reportedly killed in captivity.
The abduction sparked nationwide outrage. Parents, labour unions, traditional rulers and civil society groups mounted pressure on authorities to secure the victims’ release. The Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State also embarked on an indefinite strike over insecurity in schools.
President Tinubu had earlier condemned the attack and ordered intelligence-led operations to rescue the captives. A high-powered federal delegation was dispatched to the affected communities, while the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards was approved to strengthen security in Oyo State.
In a video shared by the presidency, the vice principal of Community Grammar School, Alamu Folawe, thanked the President and security operatives.
“The President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive now. We are very grateful to you,” she said.
The Oyo State Police Commissioner, Olugbenga Abimbola, also confirmed the release of the students and teachers, adding that more details of the rescue would be provided later.
The abductees spent 56 days in captivity.
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