I Have Not Been Briefed” – Police React To Oyo, Borno School Pupils Abduction

The assurance comes amid growing anxiety over the welfare of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, who were taken during attacks in Oyo and Borno States on May 15, 2026. Reports indicate that the victims are being held in forest locations under harsh conditions, including heavy rainfall and poor shelter, raising serious health concerns.

In Oyo State, gunmen invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School, and Community Grammar School in Esiele, all in Oriire LGA, abducting about 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal. Days later, a disturbing video emerged showing the killing of one of the abducted teachers, while unverified claims of another pupil’s death were dismissed by police authorities.

Security sources have linked the abductees to locations within the Old Oyo National Park, with reports suggesting that the attackers are being monitored by security operatives as rescue efforts intensify.

In a separate incident in Borno State, suspected terrorists attacked Central Primary School in Mussa village, Askira-Uba LGA, abducting about 50 schoolchildren. While some reports claim a number of the pupils have been rescued, many are still believed to be in captivity.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed that the military is currently leading the operation under Operation HADIN KAI. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daso Nahum Kenneth, said he had not received updates on any new rescue, adding, “For now, the operation is being coordinated by the military… I have not been informed if there was any rescue, but if I get clear information, I will reach out.”

Meanwhile, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation HADIN KAI, Mohammed Goni, disclosed that six of the abducted pupils had already been rescued during ongoing operations.

Health experts have also raised alarm over the condition of the children, warning that prolonged exposure to harsh weather in the forest could lead to severe illnesses such as pneumonia, malaria, asthma, and other life-threatening infections. A paediatrician, Dr. Hope Adejor, noted that the children’s survival could be at serious risk due to continuous exposure to cold and rain without shelter.

She warned that even in the event of rescue, some of the children may suffer long-term health complications due to the harsh conditions they have endured.

In the same vein, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, assured Nigerians that troops are making significant progress in ongoing rescue operations, expressing confidence that the abducted victims would be safely reunited with their families.

The prolonged captivity of the pupils has continued to heighten tension and concern among parents and residents of the affected communities as rescue operations intensify across the region.