By Abigail David
President Bola Tinubu has said the Federal Government refused to negotiate with or pay ransom to the kidnappers who abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, insisting that security agencies instead relied on intelligence-led operations to secure the victims’ release.
Speaking on Thursday while receiving the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and other Oyo traditional rulers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu said the kidnappers demanded ransom and the release of detained gang members, but the government rejected the conditions.
According to the President, security agencies intensified operations by tracking the criminals and their networks, leading to the successful rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity without paying ransom.
Tinubu commended the armed forces for the operation, describing it as a major success achieved through intelligence gathering and a detailed understanding of the terrain.
The President said the incident informed his decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, explaining that the move is intended to improve response times and strengthen the country’s capacity to combat terrorism and banditry.
He also reaffirmed plans to establish state police with safeguards against abuse and announced that forest guards would be retrained and equipped to support security operations in forests and remote communities.
Tinubu urged traditional rulers to encourage residents to provide timely information on suspicious activities, stressing that community intelligence remains vital to addressing insecurity.
He also called on state governments to prioritise road construction to improve access for security agencies and enhance economic development.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Oba Ladoja thanked the President and the armed forces for securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers. He also expressed appreciation for ongoing federal road projects in Oyo State, describing them as critical to improving connectivity and economic activities.
The Oriire abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked three schools and abducted about 39 pupils and seven teachers. The victims were rescued on July 10 in an intelligence-led operation that authorities said was carried out without the payment of ransom.
