The Federal Government has announced the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted by armed gunmen during coordinated attacks on schools in Oyo State, bringing an end to weeks of uncertainty for the victims and their families.
The rescue operation, carried out by security forces, followed sustained intelligence gathering and military offensives in the area where the victims were believed to have been held captive. Government officials said several of the kidnappers were arrested, while others were neutralised during the operation.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and insecurity. Although authorities did not immediately disclose the exact number of those rescued, they said the victims had been reunited with security officials for medical evaluation and debriefing.
President Bola Tinubu commended the armed forces and other security agencies for the successful mission, praising their professionalism and determination. He also expressed condolences over the teacher who lost his life shortly after the abduction and assured Nigerians that efforts to tackle criminal groups across the country would continue.
The victims were abducted in May during attacks on schools in Oyo State that shocked the nation and highlighted the growing spread of kidnapping activities into Nigeria’s South-West. The incident triggered widespread concern among parents, education stakeholders and residents, who repeatedly called for urgent government intervention.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network and strengthen security around schools to prevent similar attacks in the future.
