The Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against making statements that could undermine ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies in tackling terrorism and kidnapping, following his call on the United Nations to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The warning formed part of resolutions adopted on Tuesday after lawmakers considered a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele on the successful rescue of 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers in Oriire, as well as the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation.

While commending the security agencies for securing the release of the victims, the Senate praised President Bola Tinubu for directing the Armed Forces and other security institutions to deploy all necessary resources to ensure their unconditional freedom after they were kidnapped by heavily armed terrorists on May 15, 2026.

According to lawmakers, the rescue mission lasted more than 50 days and culminated in the release of the victims on July 10, 2026. The operation also led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were neutralised.

The Senate noted that the mission reflected the growing professionalism, operational efficiency and inter-agency coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions involved in the operation.

However, lawmakers acknowledged that the success came at a significant cost. Lieutenant F.A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force lost their lives during the rescue mission. The Senate also recognised Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries while participating in the operation.

The chamber expressed sadness that one of the abducted teachers died while in captivity but described the rescue of the remaining victims as a major achievement that had restored hope and confidence among Nigerians, particularly parents and school communities.

Consequently, the Senate urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of all statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements due to the families of the fallen security personnel.

Lawmakers also called on the government to continue improving the welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity of members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.

In addition, the Senate urged the Federal Government to sustain and intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups through the provision of modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, improved intelligence capabilities, better logistics and enhanced welfare packages for security personnel.

The upper chamber further called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still being held captive across the country.

The caution against Governor Makinde was introduced by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District. (Channels)

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