Adedokun Waliyu 
President Bola Tinubu has expressed delight over the successful rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted from the Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, commending the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.
The President described the operation as a major success, revealing that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while several others were neutralised. He said the rescue brought great relief to the victims, their families, and the entire nation.
In a statement, President Tinubu praised the security agencies for their determination and professionalism throughout the operation. He also sympathised with the rescued children, teachers, and their families for the trauma they experienced during the prolonged ordeal.
The President commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government during the rescue efforts and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents in the future.
He further directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with the necessary medical attention, psychological support, and other relief services to aid their recovery.
President Tinubu expressed profound happiness over the successful operation, stating that the combined efforts of the military, police, and intelligence agencies brought an end to the more than 50-day ordeal. He thanked the officers and personnel involved for ensuring the safe rescue of the victims.
The President also pledged that his administration would ensure justice for the rescued children and teachers, as well as for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, one of the teachers who was reportedly murdered by the kidnappers during the incident.
The Presidency later confirmed that all the kidnapped pupils and teachers had been rescued, 57 days after they were abducted on May 15, 2026.
It was also disclosed that the eight arrested suspects are currently in the custody of the DSS. The Presidency emphasised that the rescue operation was carried out without any exchange, ransom payment, or concession to the kidnappers. It added that one of the gang’s notorious leaders, whose release had been demanded by the abductors, remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.
Following the rescue, one of the teachers, in a video message, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the security agencies for their efforts. She thanked the President for his commitment to their safety and acknowledged the sacrifices made by the security operatives, saying their dedication was the reason the victims were able to return home alive.
