The Federal Government on Thursday assured Nigerians that all abducted pupils and teachers from a school in Oyo State, and other parts of the country would be safely rescued, declaring that the return of every victim remains a top national priority.
Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, gave the assurance during a press briefing in Abuja, where he outlined ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure the release of the victims and combat terrorism and kidnapping across the country.
According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu has directed that every lawful instrument available to the Nigerian state be deployed to secure the freedom of the abducted children and their teachers.
“The safe return of every child and every teacher currently in captivity remains a top national priority,” Idris said. “No effort will be spared in ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice.”
He disclosed that specialised rescue teams had been deployed as part of coordinated efforts involving the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the National Counter Terrorism Centre.
The minister also revealed that President Tinubu had authorised the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities and forested areas frequently exploited by criminal groups.
Idris said intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement and rescue operations were continuing without interruption, stressing that security agencies were adopting an intelligence-driven approach rather than relying solely on military force.
The briefing came amid growing concerns over attacks on educational institutions following the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State and a separate attack on a school in Borno State, where children were reported missing after a terrorist assault.
While declining to disclose operational details, Idris maintained that security agencies were working around the clock to ensure the safe return of all victims.
He said the Tinubu administration had intensified efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture through improved intelligence coordination, technological deployment, regional partnerships and socio-economic interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity.
Highlighting recent security gains, the minister said troops had recorded significant successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in the North-East.
He noted that security operations in recent weeks led to the elimination of dozens of terrorists and the disruption of several insurgent logistics networks.
According to him, security forces also rescued 92 civilians from terrorist captivity near Borno communities, while sustained military offensives have forced many insurgents to surrender or flee their strongholds.
The minister further cited recent terrorism-related convictions, including the sentencing of four terrorists involved in the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, as evidence of government’s commitment to ensuring accountability.
He added that more than 500 terrorism suspects were recently prosecuted, resulting in hundreds of convictions.
Idris urged Nigerians to remain united against terrorism and support security agencies by providing credible information, warning that terrorists seek to spread fear, division and misinformation.
Addressing families of the abducted victims, he conveyed President Tinubu’s message of solidarity and reassurance.
“Your pain is our pain. Every available resource is being deployed. Every security agency involved in this fight remains fully engaged, and every intelligence lead is being vigorously pursued,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges, protect its schools and children, and ultimately defeat terrorism.
“We shall protect our schools, safeguard our children and continue to build a nation where every Nigerian can live, learn, work and prosper in peace,” the minister stated.
