President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation on Thursday, explaining the government's decision not to negotiate with terrorists responsible for the abduction of students and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area in Oyo State. Tinubu emphasized that the Federal Government had complete knowledge of the terrain where the victims were held, allowing security agencies to conduct a targeted rescue operation without the need for ransom payments. He delivered his remarks at the State House in Abuju while meeting with a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. Tinubu commended the armed forces for successfully securing the release of the 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, who had been abducted on May 15. He credited the success of the operation to the collaboration between security forces and traditional institutions, as well as improved coordination within the security framework. “Congratulations on the Oriire Oyo State rescue that succeeded. I think we succeeded with your support, prayers, and I agree with you that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance,” Tinubu said. He reiterated the administration’s firm stance against paying ransoms to criminal groups, stating that the government’s understanding of the forest environment played a crucial role in its strategy. “We refused to pay ransom. We have the geography of the forest. We know what it is,” he said. Tinubu also highlighted how the incident underscored the necessity of reviewing and improving Nigeria’s security architecture to better respond to terrorism and banditry. “Each event teaches us new methods, opens our eyes, challenges us to examine and re-examine our architecture, our strategies, our map and operations,” he said. To enhance the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts, Tinubu announced plans to expand the military’s operational capacity by increasing the number of divisions from eight to 12. This move aims to reduce response times and bolster efforts against insecurity. “From eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten the response time, to give that response time the teeth that is needed for us to defeat terrorism and banditry,” he said. Additionally, the president reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing state police forces, emphasizing that safeguards would be implemented to prevent potential abuses. Tinubu also called upon traditional rulers to continue supporting security initiatives, noting that the government is working to enhance the capabilities of forest guards to combat criminal activity in forested regions. “We are equally enhancing the capacity and capability of the forest guards. They are not just to chase antelopes and animals. We are going to have them chase the criminals and deal with them in various forests,” he added. Separately, troops under the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, successfully rescued 48 kidnapped villagers in Magami village, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area, Zamfara State. The operation, which took place on July 26, resulted in the deaths of one civilian and injuries to two others. The military attributed the success to swift intervention and coordinated efforts, with troops engaging the attackers in a fierce firefight that forced them to abandon their captives. The theatre command praised the troops' professionalism and assured residents of continued protection. In Kwara State, families of 176 abductees expressed growing despair as negotiations failed and threats emerged from the kidnappers. Community leaders claimed that over N155 million had been collected to secure the release of the victims, only for the funds to be rejected. They warned of escalating risks, including reports that some captives might be forced into marriages. The groups demanded immediate government action, citing the need for a decisive intervention to ensure the safe return of the hostages. Across the country, security forces continue to engage in high-profile operations to disrupt terrorist networks and rescue hostages, reflecting the ongoing challenge posed by armed groups in northern Nigeria. These incidents highlight the complex interplay between state power, local governance, and the persistent threat of violence in the region. As the government ramps up its security measures, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of citizens and maintaining stability in increasingly volatile environments.
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