The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to securing the release of pupils and teachers abducted in separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states, assuring Nigerians that their safe return remains a priority. It also reaffirmed its resolve to defeat terrorism, stressing that security agencies are employing every lawful strategy to rescue those held captive and ensure those responsible face justice.
The abductions occurred between May 13 and 15, when at least 82 pupils were kidnapped in coordinated attacks across the two states. In Borno State, armed groups invaded schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14, abducting 42 pupils. A day later, another 40 pupils were kidnapped during attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Oyo incident also resulted in casualties, including a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist, and a security operative who died during rescue operations.
Speaking on Thursday at a special national security briefing tagged “Unite Against Terror” in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the attacks as a direct assault on the nation’s future and educational system.
“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.
“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,” Idris stated.
Delivering President Bola Tinubu’s message, the minister assured citizens that the government was fully committed to rescuing 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 said.
Idris disclosed that the President had directed security agencies to deploy all available legal resources to secure the release of the abductees.
“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,” the minister highlighted.
Although he declined to provide operational specifics, Idris said coordinated efforts involving multiple security and intelligence agencies were ongoing.
“While operational details cannot be disclosed for security reasons, I can assure Nigerians that multiple security and intelligence agencies are working in close coordination.
“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 ongoing efforts.
“Intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement, and search-and-rescue operations are continuing without interruption.”
The minister noted that the Tinubu administration had embraced a broader, intelligence-driven security strategy that extends beyond military action.
“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.
He identified the planned implementation of state policing as a key element of the government’s 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.”
According to Idris, despite inheriting a complex security landscape, the administration has pursued a strategy combining military operations, intelligence sharing, technology, regional partnerships, and socio-economic interventions.
“Since May 2023, Nigeria has recorded significant successes against terrorist and criminal networks.
“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 on military operations in the North-East, the minister said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents.
“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 authorities reported the elimination of about 1,000 terrorists, including senior commanders, 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,” he added.
The minister also reported intensified operations against bandits and kidnappers in the North-West and North-Central regions, covering states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, and Kaduna.
“In the North-West and North-Central regions, joint military and police operations have intensified pressure on bandit groups and kidnapping syndicates operating in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna and adjoining states.
“Several criminal camps have been dismantled, numerous suspects arrested, and intelligence-led operations have continued to deny criminal elements freedom of movement,” he stated further.
Idris said security agencies were equally targeting criminal networks, oil thieves, and economic saboteurs in the South-East and South-South regions. He noted that improved maritime security had contributed to a significant rise in oil production.
“Enhanced maritime security operations led by the Nigerian Navy have contributed to a reduction in oil theft, resulting in an increase of about 400,000 barrels per day of production since the President assumed office.”
Highlighting progress in terrorism-related prosecutions, the minister referenced the conviction of four terrorists linked to the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
“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.
“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.”
He disclosed that more than 500 terrorism suspects were currently standing trial across the country.
“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,” he said.
On international collaboration, Idris said Nigeria had deepened security partnerships with the United States and other allies, particularly in intelligence sharing, military training, border security, and cybersecurity.
“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 working closely with neighbouring countries and global partners to prevent terrorists from exploiting porous borders.
The minister also commended the collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments, citing the ongoing rescue efforts in Oyo and Borno states.
“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.”
According to him, similar cooperation is taking place in Borno State involving federal agencies, state authorities, and local stakeholders.
Idris maintained that long-term security would be driven by inclusive economic development and prosperity. He said the administration’s reforms and investments in roads, railways, housing, healthcare, power, and other critical infrastructure were designed to create opportunities and improve living standards.
“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,” he noted.
Calling for national unity, the minister stressed that defeating insecurity requires collective action from government, communities, the media, and citizens.
“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,” the minister stated.
He urged journalists to report responsibly, avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda, and encouraged citizens to provide credible intelligence and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
“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.”
Explaining the significance of the briefing’s theme, Idris said terrorism must be viewed as a threat to all Nigerians regardless of region, ethnicity, or religion.
“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 of the abducted victims, the minister conveyed President Tinubu’s assurance that the government remained fully committed to securing their freedom.
“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,” he conveyed.
Expressing optimism about the country’s ability to overcome the security 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.”
