President Bola Tinubu has explained why the Federal Government declined to negotiate with the terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying security agencies had a clear understanding of the terrain where the victims were being held and were confident of securing their rescue through a coordinated operation.
The President made the remarks following the successful rescue of the victims after more than 50 days in captivity, reiterating that no ransom was paid and no concessions were made to the abductors during the operation.
According to Tinubu, intelligence gathered by security agencies enabled operatives to monitor the terrorists’ movements and plan a rescue mission without compromising national security or yielding to the demands of the kidnappers.
He said the government’s decision was guided by the belief that negotiating with terrorists would embolden criminal groups and encourage further attacks on schools and vulnerable communities. The President added that security operatives understood the difficult forest terrain where the victims were held, allowing them to execute a carefully coordinated rescue mission.
The abductees, comprising pupils, students and teachers from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed terrorists attacked the schools. One teacher was killed during the incident, while another reportedly died in captivity.
Following the rescue, the Presidency disclosed that the operation led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised. It also stated that one of the terrorist commanders whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in government custody and is facing prosecution.
Tinubu commended the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies for their professionalism and collaboration throughout the operation.
He also praised the Oyo State Government for its cooperation and urged authorities to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating terrorism and kidnapping, stressing that the government would continue to prioritise intelligence-driven operations while ensuring that criminal groups do not benefit from hostage-taking or other acts of violence.
