President Bola Tinubu has announced that no ransom was paid and no concession was made to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The President disclosed this on Friday in a statement posted on his verified X account following the successful rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities of Oriire LGA, abducting about 39 pupils and seven teachers.
One of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed while in captivity.
According to Tinubu, the rescue operation was carried out through a coordinated effort involving the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
“Tonight, our nation has reason to give thanks. The children and teachers abducted by Ansaru terrorists in Oyo State have been rescued by our security forces, alive and unharmed. No ransom was paid. No concession was made,” the President stated.
In a separate statement, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the operation led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised.
Tinubu commended members of the armed forces and security agencies for their courage and professionalism, describing the rescue as evidence of effective collaboration among the nation’s security institutions.
He also praised the Oyo State Government for its support during the operation and directed relevant emergency agencies to work with the state government in providing medical care, psychological support and other necessary assistance to the rescued victims.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, the President warned terrorist groups that security forces would continue to pursue those responsible for acts of violence across the country.
He further pledged justice for the rescued victims and the family of Michael Oyedokun, the teacher who lost his life while in captivity.
The rescue brings to an end 56 days of captivity in one of Nigeria’s most prolonged school abduction incidents in recent months.
