President Bola Tinubu has revealed why security agencies tracked and arrested relatives of terrorists involved in the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying the government was determined to break the criminal network behind the attack.
Speaking on Thursday while receiving a delegation of Oyo State traditional rulers led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said his administration rejected all attempts by the kidnappers to force the government into negotiations.
According to the President, the abductors demanded ransom as well as the release of detained members of their gang, but the Federal Government refused both conditions.
“We refuse to negotiate for ransom. These criminals wanted us to release members of their gang who were already in detention, in addition to paying money. We said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals,” Tinubu said.
He explained that security agencies subsequently tracked the kidnappers through their family and community networks as part of intelligence-led operations that eventually resulted in the successful rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity.
Tinubu said the operation led to the arrest of several suspects and the elimination of other members of the criminal group without paying any ransom.
The President disclosed that the Oriire kidnapping also influenced his recent directive to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, saying the move would improve response time and strengthen the military’s capacity to combat terrorism, kidnapping and banditry across the country.
He also announced plans to retrain and equip forest guards to support security operations while reiterating his support for the establishment of state police with constitutional safeguards to prevent abuse.
Tinubu commended the armed forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue mission and urged communities to continue providing credible intelligence to support efforts to tackle insecurity.
He also advised state governments to prioritise investment in road infrastructure, noting that improved road networks would enhance access for security agencies to remote communities where criminal groups often operate.
The Oriire abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026, involved the kidnapping of about 39 pupils and seven teachers, while one teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed during the attack. The victims regained their freedom on July 10 following a coordinated military operation.
