Bomba Dauda
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has commended Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of teachers and pupils abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Minister described the operation as a remarkable demonstration of professionalism, courage and effective inter-agency collaboration, noting that the victims were rescued following a coordinated intelligence-led operation conducted on July 10, 2026.
The rescued victims were abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele.
General Musa praised the seamless collaboration among the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Security Adviser (NSA) Tactical Team and other security and paramilitary agencies involved in the operation.
According to him, the successful mission highlights the growing effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the strengthened cooperation among Nigeria’s security and intelligence institutions in tackling insecurity.
The Minister also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, describing them as courageous and selfless officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to the welfare of the families of fallen heroes.
General Musa reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the operational capabilities of the nation’s military and law enforcement agencies in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. He noted that sustained investments in modern military equipment, intelligence gathering, specialised training and inter-agency cooperation are already producing positive outcomes in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The Defence Minister urged security commanders and personnel across the country to sustain the momentum and replicate the level of coordination demonstrated during the Oyo rescue operation in other security missions.
He also appreciated the Oyo State Government and residents for their cooperation during the operation, while calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
General Musa reiterated the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at building a safer, more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
