President Bola Tinubu on Thursday disclosed that the Federal Government refused to negotiate with or pay ransom to the militants who abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in May, insisting that the victims were rescued through an intelligence-led military operation after 56 days in captivity.
Receiving the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and other traditional rulers from Oyo State at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu revealed that the kidnappers demanded both money and the release of detained members of their gang. "We said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals," the President declared, adding that the government remained resolute despite the pressure to secure the victims' freedom.
Tinubu said the successful rescue operation, which ended on July 10, was made possible by the military's knowledge of the terrain and intelligence gathering. Commending the armed forces, he said, "I think we succeeded with your support and prayers," while urging Nigerians to appreciate security personnel for their efforts in tackling terrorism and banditry.
The President explained that the Oriire abduction prompted his directive to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions to improve operational reach and reduce response time during security emergencies. "We have given a geographical and numerical answer to the challenges," he said, noting that the expansion was aimed at giving security agencies "the teeth that is needed for us to defeat terrorism and banditry."
Tinubu also reaffirmed plans to establish state police with safeguards against abuse and announced that forest guards would be retrained and equipped to combat criminal activities rather than focus solely on wildlife protection. He called on traditional rulers and communities to strengthen local intelligence by reporting suspicious movements, stressing that public vigilance remained critical to national security.
Blaming the worsening security situation partly on instability in neighbouring Sahel countries, the President urged state governments to invest increased federal allocations in road infrastructure to improve access for security operations. He also pledged broader consultations with traditional rulers nationwide as part of efforts to strengthen community-based security.
Speaking on behalf of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Ladoja thanked Tinubu and the armed forces for rescuing the Oriire victims without paying ransom. He also commended the Federal Government for ongoing road projects in Oyo State, saying improved infrastructure would enhance economic activities and security across the region.
The Oriire attack occurred on May 15, 2026, when gunmen stormed three schools in Esiele and Yawota communities, abducting about 39 pupils and seven teachers. Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was killed during the assault. According to the Presidency, the July 10 rescue operation led to the arrest of eight suspects and the neutralisation of several others without any ransom payment.