The Nigerian government has assured citizens that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of abducted pupils and teachers in parts of Oyo State and Borno State, stressing that their safe return remains a top national priority.
At least 82 pupils were abducted between May 13 and May 15 during separate attacks in the two states. In Borno State, 42 pupils were kidnapped after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas. In Oyo State, 40 pupils were taken during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that also claimed the lives of a teacher, a motorcyclist, and a security operative.
Speaking at a national security briefing themed “Unite Against Terror” in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the abductions represent a direct attack on the country’s future, particularly its education system.
He reaffirmed that, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government, every lawful measure is being deployed to ensure the safe return of the victims and the arrest of those responsible.
Idris added that security agencies, including the Armed Forces, police, DSS, NIA, Office of the National Security Adviser, and the National Counter Terrorism Centre, are actively coordinating intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, and search-and-rescue operations.
He also disclosed that the government has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security in vulnerable communities and forest regions.
The minister emphasized that while operational details cannot be made public for security reasons, the administration is pursuing a coordinated, intelligence-driven strategy to combat terrorism and protect citizens nationwide.
