Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has welcomed the rescue of the pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oyo State, describing their freedom as “worthy of thanksgiving” and renewing his call for stronger security measures to protect schools and communities across the country.
Obi made the remarks on Saturday in a post on his verified X account, a day after the Nigerian Army announced that the victims had regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation involving several security agencies.
The former Anambra State governor expressed joy over the successful rescue and commended the security personnel and others who worked behind the scenes to secure the victims’ release after weeks in captivity.
“I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped. This is worthy of thanksgiving,” Obi wrote.
He thanked members of the security agencies and all those who participated in the operation, saying their commitment made the rescue possible.
“I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes,” he added.
The rescued victims were among the 44 pupils and teachers abducted by suspected terrorists on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Their abduction sparked widespread concern across the country and prompted an intensive search involving the Nigerian Army, intelligence agencies, the police and local security groups.
On Friday, the Nigerian Army confirmed that all the victims had been rescued and were receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.
The Army said the rescue followed a carefully planned intelligence-led operation coordinated by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife.
The operation involved troops of the Nigerian Army, the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes.
Security authorities also disclosed that several suspected members of the kidnapping network were arrested during the operation, which reportedly weakened the group and led to the unconditional release of the victims.
Reacting to the successful operation, Obi said although the rescue was a moment of celebration, it also served as a reminder of the need to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
According to him, no Nigerian child should be subjected to the trauma of kidnapping simply because they are pursuing an education.
“While we celebrate this happy outcome, we must remember that no child should ever have to endure such trauma,” he said.
Obi noted that repeated cases of school kidnappings across the country show that more needs to be done to improve Nigeria’s security system.
He called on governments at all levels to make the protection of lives and property their highest priority.
“The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government,” he stated.
The former presidential candidate also stressed that every Nigerian child deserves to receive an education in a safe environment free from fear and violence.
“Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear. We must continue to work towards building a Nigeria where every child can pursue education without the threat of violence or abduction,” he wrote.
He also congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers, their families and all Nigerians on what he described as a heartening development.
“I rejoice with the children, their families, their schools, and all Nigerians on this heartening development,” Obi added.
Kidnapping has remained one of Nigeria’s major security challenges in recent years, with criminal groups increasingly targeting schools, highways and rural communities for ransom.
Although the South-West has recorded fewer school abductions than some northern states, security experts have warned that criminal groups are expanding their activities into different parts of the country.
The abduction of the Oyo pupils and teachers in May raised fresh concerns about the safety of schools and travellers in remote communities. The incident also renewed calls for stronger security around educational institutions and better intelligence gathering to prevent attacks.
The successful rescue has drawn commendations from political leaders, community groups and residents of Oyo State, who have praised the security agencies for bringing the victims home safely.
As the rescued pupils and teachers continue to receive medical attention before reuniting with their families, attention is expected to shift towards their rehabilitation and psychological recovery after nearly two months in captivity.