The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has commended the Federal Government and security agencies for securing the release of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians.
Yilwatda gave the commendation in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Information, Abimbola Tooki, following the successful rescue of the victims after nearly two months in captivity.
The APC chairman also congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers, their families and Nigerians, saying the development had brought relief after weeks of anxiety, uncertainty and emotional pain.
He said the rescue reflected the determination of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to confront insecurity and ensure that criminal groups do not operate freely across the country.
According to him, the operation became successful because of the close cooperation among security agencies, the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government.
Yilwatda noted that the coordinated efforts of the different agencies involved in the mission played a major role in securing the safe return of the victims.
“The successful rescue is a reassuring demonstration of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians,” he said.
He added that the collaboration among the nation’s security agencies, working closely with both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government, contributed significantly to the success of the operation.
The APC chairman expressed sympathy for the rescued pupils, teachers and their families, acknowledging the emotional and psychological trauma they experienced during the period of captivity.
He prayed for their complete recovery and expressed hope that they would receive the support needed to overcome the painful experience.
According to him, surviving weeks in captivity could leave lasting emotional effects, making rehabilitation and counselling important as the victims return to their normal lives.
Yilwatda also praised members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local intelligence networks and other agencies that participated in the rescue mission.
He described their courage, professionalism and resilience as key factors behind the successful outcome.
According to him, the operation has once again shown the importance of intelligence gathering, information sharing and cooperation among security agencies in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“The successful outcome underscores the importance of intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and sustained collaboration in confronting the nation’s security challenges,” he said.
The APC chairman further commended the Oyo State Government for working closely with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts.
He said the partnership demonstrated that protecting lives and property should remain a shared responsibility that goes beyond political differences.
According to Yilwatda, security challenges require cooperation between all levels of government, security institutions and local communities.
He said the rescue operation showed that such cooperation could produce positive results.
The APC chairman also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving security across the country.
He said President Tinubu’s administration remains focused on strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through improved intelligence gathering, the deployment of modern technology and continued support for security agencies.
According to him, the government is determined to ensure that criminal groups have no safe haven anywhere in Nigeria.
“The safety of Nigerians remains the foremost responsibility of government. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is leaving no stone unturned in his determination to rid the country of criminality and create a secure environment where every Nigerian can live, work, learn and pursue legitimate livelihoods without fear,” he stated.
Yilwatda urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies by providing useful and timely information that could help prevent crimes and assist ongoing security operations.
He said defeating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime requires active cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
He encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities in their communities to the appropriate authorities.
The APC chairman also expressed confidence in the security reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration, saying the government would continue to strengthen its efforts until every part of the country becomes safe and peaceful.
The rescued pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, when suspected terrorists attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The attack claimed the life of the Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed during captivity.
The abduction sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and beyond, prompting an extensive search operation involving the military, intelligence agencies, the police, Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilante groups.
On Friday, the Nigerian Army announced that 44 abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued after an intelligence-led operation that lasted for more than one month.
According to the Army, the operation focused on identifying the leaders of the kidnapping network, dismantling their logistics structure, arresting their informants and disrupting their operations.
The military also disclosed that several arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country, a development it said mounted pressure on the kidnappers and eventually forced them to release the captives without conditions.
The Army said the rescued victims were receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunion with their families.
The successful rescue has drawn commendations from political leaders, community groups and residents across the country, many of whom have praised the security agencies for bringing the victims home safely.