FG Vows to Defeat Terrorists, Rescue Abducted Pupils in Oyo, Borno

The Federal Government on Thursday intensified its fight against terrorism and kidnapping, announcing the deployment of a specialised rescue team to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, while approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security in vulnerable communities.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this during a national security briefing tagged #UniteAgainstTerror in Abuja, where he conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to rescuing the victims and combating insecurity across the country.

Describing the abductions as a direct attack on Nigeria's future, Idris said the Federal Government had mobilised all security and intelligence agencies to secure the safe return of the victims and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“No child belongs in captivity,” the minister declared, assuring affected families that the rescue of every abducted child and teacher remained a top priority for the administration.

According to him, President Tinubu has directed that every lawful instrument available to the Nigerian state be deployed toward achieving the victims' release. He added that intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement and coordinated search-and-rescue operations were already underway in both Oyo and Borno states.

As part of broader security measures, Idris announced the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to enhance security operations in remote and vulnerable areas where criminal groups often operate.

The minister said the administration's security strategy extends beyond military action and is anchored on intelligence-driven operations, institutional reforms and plans to establish state policing as part of efforts to modernise the country's security architecture.

Highlighting security achievements since May 2023, Idris stated that hundreds of terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements had been killed, arrested or forced to surrender, while numerous kidnapping victims had been rescued nationwide.

He cited recent successes by troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State, where security forces reportedly repelled terrorist attacks along the Kirawa-Pulka and Ngoshe corridors, killing more than 50 insurgents, including senior commanders.

The minister further disclosed that approximately 1,000 terrorists, including several top leaders, were eliminated during the first quarter of 2026.

He also revealed that a joint Nigeria-United States operation carried out in May disrupted terrorist logistics networks, neutralised key ISWAP commanders and rescued 92 civilians from captivity near Buratai.

According to Idris, military operations have also intensified against bandits and kidnapping syndicates operating in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, Kogi and Kwara states, leading to the destruction of criminal hideouts and the arrest of several suspects.

In the South-East and South-South regions, he said security agencies had sustained pressure on separatist-linked groups, cult networks, oil thieves and economic saboteurs, while improved maritime security had contributed to an increase of about 400,000 barrels per day in crude oil production since Tinubu assumed office.

On the judicial front, the minister announced that four terrorists had been sentenced to death by the Federal High Court for their involvement in the 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church.

He added that Nigeria was currently undertaking one of its largest terrorism prosecution exercises, with more than 500 suspects facing trial. According to him, 508 terrorism-related cases have been prosecuted, resulting in 386 convictions.

Idris also highlighted growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in intelligence sharing, military training, border security, counter-terrorism operations and cybersecurity.

He commended the collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments, specifically acknowledging ongoing coordination with Seyi Makinde and authorities in Borno State in efforts to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers.

While acknowledging that security challenges persist, the minister stressed that military operations alone would not guarantee lasting peace, arguing that economic development, infrastructure expansion and improved opportunities for citizens were equally important in addressing the root causes of insecurity.

He urged Nigerians and media organisations to support the fight against terrorism by promoting national unity and responsible reporting, warning that terrorists often exploit fear, misinformation and division to achieve their objectives.

Calling for collective action under the #UniteAgainstTerror campaign, Idris said terrorism transcends ethnic, religious and political differences and should be confronted as a common threat to all Nigerians.

“To the families whose children and loved ones remain in captivity, your pain is our pain,” he said. “Every available resource is being deployed. Every security agency remains engaged. Every intelligence lead is being pursued.”

The minister expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges, reaffirming the Federal Government's determination to defeat terrorism, secure schools and protect citizens across the country.