The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that intensive efforts are ongoing to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno States, stressing that their safe return remains a top national priority.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance during a special national security briefing titled “Unite Against Terror” held at Radio House, Abuja on Thursday. He said the government was fully committed to ending terrorism and ensuring the rescue of all victims.
According to him, the recent attacks on schools amount to an assault on the nation’s future, warning that such incidents target not only families and communities but also the country’s education system and unity.
A total of about 82 pupils were reportedly kidnapped between May 13 and May 15 in separate incidents across Oyo and Borno States.
In Borno, 42 pupils were abducted following attacks on schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14. In Oyo State, 40 pupils were taken on May 15 after coordinated raids on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area. The Oyo attack also left a teacher, a motorcyclist, and a security operative dead during rescue attempts.
Idris, speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government, said the administration has directed security agencies to deploy all lawful measures to ensure the victims are rescued safely and perpetrators brought to justice.
He added that a specialised rescue team has been authorised, alongside the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security in vulnerable communities and forest zones.
While noting that operational details could not be disclosed, the minister said several security and intelligence agencies, including the Armed Forces, DSS, Police, NIA, Office of the National Security Adviser, and the National Counter Terrorism Centre, are actively involved in coordinated rescue operations, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and community engagement.
Idris also highlighted ongoing reforms in the security sector, describing the Tinubu administration’s approach as intelligence-driven and comprehensive. He identified the push for state policing as a key part of the reform agenda aimed at improving local security response.
He claimed that since May 2023, security forces have recorded significant gains against terrorist groups, including arrests, neutralisation of attackers, and the rescue of kidnapped victims across the country. In the North-East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai have continued to weaken Boko Haram and ISWAP networks, with several terrorists neutralised and logistics networks disrupted.
According to him, joint operations with international support have also led to breakthroughs against insurgent commanders, while hundreds of suspected terrorists are currently facing trial, with many already convicted.
The minister further stated that cooperation between federal and state governments is ongoing to ensure the safe return of abducted pupils, particularly in Oyo and Borno States, adding that intelligence sharing and coordinated operations remain active.
Idris urged Nigerians to remain united and support security agencies, warning that terrorism thrives on fear, division, and misinformation. He also called on the media to report responsibly and avoid spreading propaganda that could aid criminal groups.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges, assuring families of abducted victims that government efforts were ongoing and no lead would be ignored.
“Every available resource is being deployed. Every security agency remains engaged,” he said, adding that the country would continue working towards lasting peace and stability.
The minister reaffirmed that terrorism has no ethnic, religious, or political identity, stressing that the fight against insecurity requires collective national effort.
He concluded that Nigeria would ultimately defeat terrorism and restore safety to schools and communities across the country.