The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Retired), OFR, has commended Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a major demonstration of professionalism, courage and effective inter-agency collaboration.
According to an official statement signed by the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Retired), OFR, the successful operation, carried out on July 10, 2026, secured the safe release of students and staff abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele.
The Minister praised the coordinated efforts of 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, noting that the operation exemplified the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security initiatives.
He said the successful rescue reflected the growing synergy among Nigeria’s security and intelligence institutions as well as the unwavering commitment of personnel working under difficult conditions to protect lives, property and the nation’s territorial integrity.
General Musa also expressed condolences to the families of security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, describing their sacrifice as a reflection of the highest ideals of service and patriotism.
He assured that the Federal Government would continue to stand by the families of the fallen heroes and remain committed to their welfare.
The Defence Minister reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, to strengthening the operational capabilities of the military and other law enforcement agencies under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said sustained investments in modern military platforms, intelligence capabilities, specialised training and enhanced inter-agency cooperation were already yielding positive results across various theatres of operation and would further strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to tackle terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
While celebrating the safe rescue of the victims, General Musa urged commanders and personnel across all operational theatres to sustain the momentum and replicate the same level of coordination and tactical excellence in ongoing security operations nationwide.
He also thanked the Oyo State Government and residents for their cooperation during the operation and called on Nigerians to remain vigilant by providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support the fight against insecurity.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting the nation’s security architecture in building a safer, more secure and prosperous Nigeria.
