The rescued victims. Photo credit: Presidency

The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed the release of school pupils and teachers kidnapped by armed bandits on May 15, 2026, in Orire Local Government Area, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, south west Nigeria.

According to an earlier post gleaned from the verified Facebook page of Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga: “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.”

However, a statement by Mr. Onanuga, which further confirmed the release of the pupils and their teachers, disclosed that the feat was achieved through the combined efforts of security agencies. He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.

The statement further disclosed that that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services DSS.

According to him, the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, adding that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.

 “In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.

 “Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.

Reacting to the development, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.

President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.

The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.

President Tinubu had in the statement issued by Onanuga, praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.

He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal

The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.

President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.

Recall that on May 15, 2026, armed bandits had invaded Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, and abducted a school principal, teachers, and dozens of pupils. They spent a total of 56 days in captivity.

It was gathered that one teacher was shot dead, while reports later emerged that another abducted teacher was beheaded by the kidnappers.

The attack had sparked protests among teachers in Ogbomoso and renewed calls for stronger security around schools.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers NUT, described the attacks as “barbaric and inhuman,” warning that continued assaults on schools could force teachers nationwide to withdraw their services.

The union later held a nationwide protest for several days, during which they called for the immediate rescue of the victims, and also said the attacks had created fear, panic, and emotional trauma among teachers, pupils, parents, and affected communities.