The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has commended Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of teachers and pupils kidnapped from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on July 10, 2026.
The rescued victims were abducted from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinle, before security operatives secured their safe release through a coordinated operation.
The Minister praised the seamless collaboration among the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the National Security Adviser (NSA) Tactical Team, and other security agencies involved in the operation.
He described the mission as a model of intelligence-driven security operations, highlighting the professionalism, courage, and effective interagency cooperation that ensured the success of the rescue.
According to the Minister, the operation demonstrates the growing strength of Nigeria’s security architecture and reflects the unwavering commitment of security personnel to protecting lives and safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
General Musa also paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the operation, describing them as heroes whose sacrifice represents the highest ideals of service and patriotism.
He assured the families of the fallen personnel of the Federal Government’s continued support and commitment to the welfare of the families of officers who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
The Minister reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the military and other security agencies through improved equipment, intelligence gathering, personnel training, and enhanced interagency cooperation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He urged commanders and security operatives across the country to sustain the momentum by replicating the same level of coordination and tactical excellence in ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
General Musa thanked the Oyo State Government and residents for their cooperation during the operation and appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, while reaffirming the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to building a safer and more secure Nigeria.
