By BONIFACE AKARAH

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu this Friday evening, July 10, 2026, announced that eight suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have been arrested, while several others were killed during a military-led rescue operation that secured the victims' freedom after 56 days in captivity.

He made the disclosure in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressing delight over the successful operation carried out by the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force without any collateral damage.

The President said the operation ended weeks of anxiety for the abducted children, their teachers and their families, while commending security agencies for their professionalism and resilience.

"I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them," Tinubu said.

He described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity, noting that it had brought relief to the nation after more than 50 days of uncertainty.

"This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers," the President stated.

Tinubu also vowed that everyone connected with the abduction would face justice, including those responsible for the killing of Mr. Oyedokun during the incident.

"My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered," he said.

The President commended the Oyo State Government for collaborating with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts and urged it to strengthen security around schools to prevent future attacks.

"I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end," Tinubu added.

He further directed emergency management agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care, psychosocial support and other relief assistance to the rescued pupils and teachers.

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