The Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against making statements it believes could undermine the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and kidnapping, following his appeal to the United Nations to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The warning came on Tuesday as lawmakers adopted resolutions after considering a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele on the successful rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State, as well as the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation.
The Senate praised the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security operatives for securing the victims’ release after more than 50 days in captivity.
It also commended President Bola Tinubu for directing security agencies to deploy every available resource to ensure the victims regained their freedom.
The pupils and teachers were kidnapped by heavily armed terrorists on May 15, 2026, and rescued on July 10 after an intensive security operation. Authorities also arrested eight suspected terrorists, while several others were killed during the mission.
Lawmakers described the operation as a reflection of improved professionalism, coordination and operational efficiency among Nigeria’s security agencies.
However, the Senate noted that the rescue came at a heavy cost. Lieutenant F.A. Isaac and Private Silas Musa of the Nigerian Army, alongside Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force, lost their lives during the operation. Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain also sustained injuries.
The chamber also expressed sadness over the death of one of the abducted teachers while in captivity but said the rescue of the remaining victims had restored hope and confidence among Nigerians, especially parents and school communities.
The Senate urged the Federal Government to immediately pay all death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements due to the families of the fallen officers.
Lawmakers also called for sustained investment in the welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
In addition, the Senate urged the Federal Government to intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups by providing modern weapons, surveillance technology, improved intelligence capabilities, logistics support and better welfare packages for security personnel.
The upper chamber further called on security agencies to sustain efforts to rescue other Nigerians still being held captive across the country.
The caution directed at Governor Makinde followed his call on the United Nations to investigate the Oriire school abduction.
The recommendation was introduced by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey during plenary.
