ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to carry out full-scale rescue operations for schoolchildren abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and parts of Borno State.
Idris made the disclosure on Thursday during a national security press conference in Abuja themed #UniteAgainstTerror, where he reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the release of all victims and tackling insecurity across the country.
According to the minister, President Tinubu has instructed relevant security agencies to intensify coordinated operations aimed at rescuing the abducted children and ensuring that those responsible for the kidnappings are brought to justice.
He said the administration remains deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of the victims and their families, stressing that efforts are ongoing to secure their safe return without compromising operational strategies.
The minister noted that the Federal Government is working closely with military authorities, intelligence agencies, and other security institutions to strengthen rescue efforts and improve responses to kidnapping and terrorist threats nationwide.
Idris also called on Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid spreading unverified information capable of undermining security efforts.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, the minister emphasized the need for national unity in confronting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges. He stated that defeating criminal elements requires collaboration between government institutions, communities, traditional leaders, religious groups, and the general public.
The announcement comes amid growing concern over recent school abductions, which have triggered nationwide appeals for swift action from government authorities, civil society groups, and affected families.
Security analysts say the deployment of full-scale rescue operations reflects the government’s determination to address the incidents and reassure citizens of its commitment to protecting lives and property. However, they stress that long-term solutions will require sustained investments in intelligence gathering, community policing, and preventive security measures.
Families of the abducted children have continued to appeal for urgent intervention, expressing fears over the wellbeing of the victims while in captivity. Several stakeholders have also called for intensified efforts to curb the recurring menace of school abductions across the country.
As rescue operations continue, the Federal Government has assured Nigerians that all available resources are being deployed to secure the freedom of the abducted schoolchildren and strengthen the country’s fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
