Defence Minister Commends Security Agencies for Rescue of Kidnapped Teachers, Pupils in Oyo
Oru Leonard
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, July 13, 2026, the minister praised the gallant officers and personnel involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a remarkable demonstration of professionalism, courage, intelligence-led operations, and effective inter-agency collaboration.
The rescued victims were kidnapped from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele. They were safely freed during a coordinated security operation carried out on July 10, 2026.
General Musa lauded the seamless cooperation 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, describing the operation as a model for modern intelligence-driven security interventions.
He said the successful rescue highlighted the growing synergy among Nigeria’s security and intelligence institutions and reflected the dedication and sacrifices of personnel working tirelessly to protect lives, property, and the nation’s territorial integrity.
The Defence Minister also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, describing them as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. He extended condolences to their families and assured them of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to the welfare of the families of fallen personnel.
General Musa reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through sustained investment in modern military equipment, advanced intelligence capabilities, specialised training, and enhanced inter-agency cooperation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the ongoing reforms are improving the nation’s capacity to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the country.
While celebrating the successful rescue, the minister urged commanders and security operatives nationwide to sustain the momentum by replicating the high level of coordination and tactical excellence demonstrated during the Oyo operation.
He also thanked the Oyo State Government and residents for their cooperation and appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant by providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.
General Musa reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting security agencies in their mission to build a safer, more secure, and prosperous Nigeria.
