The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has commended Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of teachers and pupils kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Monday, the minister praised the coordinated operation carried out on July 10, 2026, which led to the safe rescue of victims abducted from three schools in the state.
The rescued victims were taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area.
Musa described the operation as a testament to the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations and inter-agency collaboration in tackling insecurity across the country.
According to him, the rescue mission was jointly executed by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) Tactical Team, and other security and paramilitary agencies.
“The exceptional synergy displayed by the multi-agency coalition serves as a textbook example of modern, intelligence-driven security operations,” the minister said.
He noted that the operation reflected the professionalism, courage, and dedication of security personnel working under difficult conditions to protect lives, property, and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Tribute to Fallen Personnel
While celebrating the successful rescue, Musa expressed condolences to the families of security personnel who lost their lives during the operation.
He described the fallen officers as heroes whose sacrifices represent the highest ideals of service and patriotism.
“The Federal Government stands with their families during this difficult time and remains committed to the welfare of the families of all our fallen heroes,” he stated.
Tinubu Government Reaffirms Commitment to Security
The minister reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the operational capabilities of the nation’s military and law enforcement agencies under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said ongoing investments in modern military equipment, intelligence gathering, specialised training, and enhanced inter-agency cooperation are producing positive results in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
Musa urged commanders and security personnel across the country to sustain the level of coordination demonstrated during the Oyo rescue operation in all ongoing security missions.
Call for Public Support
The Defence Minister also appreciated the Oyo State Government and residents for their cooperation during the operation, stressing that public support remains critical to addressing insecurity.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies.
Musa concluded by congratulating all personnel involved in the rescue mission and reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at building a safer and more secure Nigeria.
