No Child Left Behind: FG Promises Rescue Of Kidnapped Oyo, Borno Victims

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja, stating that the rescue of the victims has been declared a national priority.

He noted that President Tinubu has directed that all necessary resources be deployed to ensure the safe return of abducted pupils and teachers, particularly those affected in Oyo and Borno States, stressing that no effort will be spared in bringing them home safely and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.

Idris explained that while operational specifics could not be disclosed for security reasons, coordinated efforts are ongoing involving the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC). He added that intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement, and search-and-rescue missions are being sustained without interruption.

Describing the Borno incident, the Minister said it reflects the long-standing tactics of terrorist groups aimed at disrupting education and destabilising communities in the North-East. He also referenced ongoing reforms under the Tinubu administration, including the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State to strengthen security in vulnerable areas.

Idris further stated that the government is adopting a broader intelligence-led security strategy that combines military operations, technological support, inter-agency coordination, and socio-economic interventions, alongside plans for an overhauled national policing structure that may include state policing as part of long-term reforms.

He noted that since May 2023, security forces have recorded notable successes against terrorist and criminal networks, with hundreds of suspects neutralised, arrested, or forced to surrender, while several kidnapped victims have been rescued across the country.

He further disclosed that in the first quarter of 2026 alone, about 1,000 terrorist elements, including key leaders, were eliminated in military operations. He also highlighted recent coordinated missions, including a joint Nigeria–United States-supported operation that disrupted terrorist logistics networks and the neutralisation of ISWAP commanders.

According to him, security forces also rescued 92 civilians near Buratai, while enhanced deployments ensured peaceful celebrations during Eid-el-Kabir across parts of the North-East.