President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the Federal Government refused to negotiate with or pay ransom to the kidnappers who abducted dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State earlier this year, insisting that his administration would never bargain with criminals.
The President also revealed that the decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions was a direct response to the security lessons learnt from the Oriire abduction, saying the move would improve the military’s ability to respond quickly to terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The delegation visited the President to thank him and the Nigerian Armed Forces for the successful rescue of the victims, who regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.
Speaking during the meeting, Tinubu said the kidnappers demanded money as well as the release of some of their members who were already in detention, but the Federal Government rejected both demands.
According to him, the government was determined not to reward criminal activities or encourage further kidnappings through ransom payments.
“We refused to negotiate for ransom,” the President said.
“These criminals wanted us to release members of their gang who had already been arrested. That was one of their conditions, apart from the money they demanded.
“We said no deal. We are not going to negotiate with criminals. They committed murder, and we stood our ground.”
Tinubu praised the Armed Forces and other security agencies for successfully rescuing the victims without paying ransom.
He described the operation as a major achievement and said it was made possible through intelligence gathering and a proper understanding of the terrain where the kidnappers were hiding.
“I agree that we should commend the men and women of the Armed Forces for their excellent performance,” he said.
The President explained that the Oriire incident exposed gaps in Nigeria’s security system and prompted the government to review its strategy.
He said the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions was designed to reduce response time during emergencies and improve the military’s presence across different parts of the country.
“As we examine every security challenge, we continue to improve our strategy and operations.
“You have seen that from eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten response time and strengthen our ability to defeat terrorism and banditry,” Tinubu said.
He noted that security challenges continue to evolve, making it necessary for the government to adapt its approach and strengthen the country’s defence architecture.
The President also reaffirmed his support for the establishment of state police, saying the system would help improve security at the grassroots.
He, however, assured Nigerians that adequate safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse of the proposed state police by political office holders.
“There will be state police, and there will be guardrails against abuse. Traditional rulers will also have important roles to play in making the system work effectively,” he said.
Tinubu further announced plans to transform forest guards into frontline security personnel.
According to him, forest guards will no longer focus only on protecting wildlife but will receive training and equipment to help security agencies combat criminals hiding in forests.
“We are enhancing the capacity of the forest guards. They are not just to chase animals anymore. They will also go after criminals operating in our forests,” he stated.
The President blamed part of Nigeria’s security challenges on the growing instability in neighbouring countries within the Sahel region.
He said insecurity in Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic had allowed armed groups and terrorists to move more easily across borders into Nigeria.
According to him, some of those involved in attacks and kidnappings in Nigeria are not Nigerian citizens.
“The insecurity in Mali, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic is adding to our own challenges. That is why we must strengthen the forest guards and create state police,” he said.
Tinubu also appealed to traditional rulers to encourage members of their communities to support security agencies with useful information.
He stressed that intelligence gathering remains one of the most effective weapons against criminal activities.
“I want you to tell our people to remain vigilant, know those living around them and report suspicious persons to security agencies,” he said.
The President also urged state governments to use their improved federal allocations to invest more in road construction.
According to him, better road networks would not only improve economic activities but also make it easier for security agencies to access remote communities during emergencies.
He said many states now receive much higher allocations than in previous years and should channel more resources into infrastructure that would benefit both residents and security operations.
“They should build roads and improve access to rural communities instead of spending money on projects that have little impact,” he said.
Tinubu assured the traditional rulers that he would continue to consult widely with traditional institutions across the country on national issues, especially security.
He described the security challenge facing Nigeria as enormous but expressed confidence that the country was making progress.
“The security challenge is getting better. We are understanding it much more now,” the President said.
He urged Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and police officers who continue to risk their lives to protect the country.
“Whenever you see our soldiers and police officers, thank them. They are doing a good job,” he added.
Earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who also chairs the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, said the delegation visited the President to appreciate his administration for securing the release of the Oriire victims.
According to the monarch, many people feared the victims might never return home, but the successful rescue restored confidence in the country’s security agencies.
“We are here to thank you, Mr President, over the recent release of the Oriire kidnapped victims. We commend your efforts and those of the Armed Forces,” Ladoja said.
The traditional ruler also praised the Federal Government for ongoing road projects in Oyo State.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, Ladoja listed projects including the proposed dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, the Ogbomoso-Ilorin Road and the Badagry-Sokoto Highway passing through Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun.
He said the projects would improve transportation, boost economic activities and open up many communities for development.
The council pledged its support for the successful execution of the projects and promised to mobilise residents at the grassroots to cooperate with the government.
The Oriire school abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
During the attack, about 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted, while a mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed.
The victims spent 56 days in captivity before they were rescued on July 10 in what the Presidency described as an intelligence-led operation involving both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.
Eight suspects were arrested during the operation, while several others were neutralised.
The Federal Government maintained that no ransom was paid to secure the victims’ freedom, describing the rescue as a major success in its ongoing fight against kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes.