FG Reaffirms Commitment to Rescue Abducted Schoolchildren, Intensifies Anti-Terror Operations Nationwide

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Rescue Abducted Schoolchildren, Intensifies Anti-Terror Operations Nationwide

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to securing the safe return of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, assuring Nigerians that all available resources are being deployed to rescue the victims and bring their captors to justice.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Thursday during a special national security briefing held at Radio House, Abuja, themed “Unite Against Terror.”

Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister described the recent abductions of schoolchildren and teachers as attacks on Nigeria’s future, education system, and shared national values.

“The safe return of every child and every teacher currently in captivity remains a top national priority,” Idris stated, adding that the President has directed the deployment of every lawful instrument available to the Nigerian state, including a specialised rescue team, to secure the victims’ freedom.

He disclosed that President Tinubu had also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities and forest areas.

The minister noted that in Borno State, terrorists recently attacked a school in Askira-Uba Local Government Area, leaving at least 42 children missing, describing the incident as another attempt by terrorist groups to undermine education and destabilise communities in the North-East.

According to him, multiple security and intelligence agencies, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the National Counter Terrorism Centre, are working in close coordination on rescue operations.

Idris said the Tinubu administration has adopted a comprehensive intelligence-led security strategy that combines military operations, intelligence gathering, technological advancement, regional cooperation, and socio-economic interventions.

He revealed that since May 2023, hundreds of terrorists and criminal elements have been neutralised, arrested, or compelled to surrender, while numerous kidnapping victims have been rescued across the country.

Highlighting recent gains in the North-East, the minister said troops of Operation Hadin Kai successfully repelled multiple terrorist infiltration attempts along the Kirawa-Pulka and Ngoshe axes of Borno State, eliminating more than 50 terrorists, including several high-value targets.

He added that approximately 1,000 terrorist elements, including senior commanders, were neutralised during the first quarter of 2026, while a joint Nigeria-United States operation disrupted key terrorist logistics networks and eliminated prominent ISWAP leaders.

The minister also noted that security forces rescued 92 civilians from terrorist captivity near Buratai and maintained security across the region during the recent Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

In the North-West and North-Central regions, he said joint military and police operations have intensified pressure on bandit groups operating across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, and neighbouring states, leading to the dismantling of several criminal camps and the arrest of numerous suspects.

Idris further highlighted progress in the South-East and South-South, where security agencies continue operations against violent criminal groups, separatist-linked violence, cultists, oil thieves, and economic saboteurs.

According to him, enhanced maritime security operations by the Nigerian Navy have contributed to a significant reduction in crude oil theft, resulting in an increase of about 400,000 barrels per day in Nigeria’s oil production since President Tinubu assumed office.

The minister also referenced the recent conviction and death sentence handed down by the Federal High Court in Abuja against four terrorists involved in the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, describing the judgment as proof that terrorism is being confronted both militarily and through the rule of law.

He disclosed that Nigeria recently commenced one of its largest terrorism prosecution exercises, with more than 500 suspects facing trial. According to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, 508 terrorism-related cases were prosecuted in the latest phase, resulting in 386 convictions.

Idris stressed that terrorism has become a transnational challenge requiring international cooperation, noting that Nigeria has strengthened security partnerships with the United States and other countries in intelligence sharing, military training, border security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism operations.

He commended the collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments, particularly in Oyo and Borno states, where intelligence sharing and coordinated rescue efforts are ongoing.

The minister also linked long-term security to economic prosperity, noting that the administration’s economic reforms and infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda are designed to create jobs, open up communities, and reduce the conditions that fuel insecurity.

Calling for national unity, Idris urged citizens to reject divisive narratives, support security agencies with credible information, and remain vigilant.

“Terrorism has no tribe, no religion, and no political affiliation. Its only purpose is destruction,” he said.

Addressing families of those still in captivity, the minister assured them that the government remains fully committed to securing the release of their loved ones.

“Your pain is our pain. Every available resource is being deployed. Every security agency remains engaged. Every intelligence lead is being pursued,” he said.

He expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges, defeat terrorism, protect its schools, and ensure a safer future for all citizens.

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Rescue Abducted Schoolchildren, Intensifies Anti-Terror Operations Nationwide