The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that all efforts are being deployed to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno States, declaring that terrorism has no future in Nigeria.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Thursday during a special national security briefing themed “Unite Against Terror” held at Radio House, Abuja.
Kano Times reports that at least 82 pupils were abducted in separate attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno States between May 13 and 15.
In Borno State, 42 pupils were kidnapped following attacks on schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas, while 40 others were abducted during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Oyo attacks also claimed the lives of a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, a motorcyclist and a security operative involved in rescue efforts.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Idris described the abductions as an attack on the future of the country.
“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,” he said.
The minister assured families of the victims that the Federal Government remains committed to their safe return.
“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,” Idris stated.
According to him, President Tinubu has directed security agencies to deploy all lawful means to secure the release of those in captivity and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“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 said.
Idris disclosed that a specialised rescue team had been deployed, while the President also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security in vulnerable communities and forest areas.
He noted that the Armed Forces, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency, Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre were working together to secure the victims’ release.
“Intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement, and search-and-rescue operations are continuing without interruption,” he added.
The minister said the Tinubu administration had adopted an intelligence-driven approach to addressing insecurity, stressing that state policing remained a key component 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,” he said.
Providing updates on military operations, Idris disclosed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai had continued to record successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in the North-East.
He revealed that more than 50 terrorists were recently neutralised following operations along the Kirawa-Pulka and Ngoshe axes of Borno State.
According to him, about 1,000 terrorists, including several commanders, were eliminated 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,” he said.
The minister added that 92 civilians were rescued from terrorist captivity near Buratai, while enhanced security measures ensured peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebrations across parts of the North-East.
He further disclosed that military and police operations had intensified against bandit groups and kidnappers in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Kogi and Kwara States, leading to the dismantling of several criminal camps and the arrest of suspects.
On terrorism-related prosecutions, Idris said four terrorists were recently sentenced to death over the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
He also revealed that more than 500 terrorism suspects were currently facing trial across the country.
“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.
The minister noted that Nigeria had strengthened counterterrorism cooperation with the United States and other international partners, particularly in intelligence sharing, military training, cybersecurity and border security.
He also commended the collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments, especially in ongoing rescue efforts in Oyo and Borno States.
Addressing families of the abducted victims, Idris conveyed President Tinubu’s assurances.
“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 has not forgotten you.
“Every available resource is being deployed. Every security agency remains engaged. Every intelligence lead is being pursued,” he said.
The minister urged Nigerians to support security agencies with credible information and called on journalists to report responsibly.
He maintained that defeating terrorism requires collective effort and national unity.
“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,” Idris said.
