Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged security agencies, particularly the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, to sustain the ongoing offensive against criminal elements following the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
The governor made the appeal while congratulating President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on the operation that secured the unconditional release of the victims, describing the development as a significant victory in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said the successful rescue underscored the effectiveness of coordinated security operations in combating kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
“I congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and my brother Governor Seyi Makinde on the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State. Their safe return is a great relief to their families and indeed to all Nigerians,” Adeleke said.
The governor commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their professionalism, resilience and cooperation throughout the rescue mission, which resulted in the safe release of the victims after weeks of sustained efforts.
He specifically praised the Nigerian Army, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agencyy, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies for their coordinated response.
“I also commend the Nigerian Army, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies whose coordinated efforts made this success possible,” he stated.
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According to Adeleke, the operation demonstrated the importance of sustained collaboration among Nigeria’s security institutions in addressing insecurity and safeguarding citizens.
“The outcome of the operation highlights the importance of sustained synergy among Nigeria’s security institutions in addressing insecurity and protecting citizens from criminal activities,” the governor said.
He further applauded the security forces for conducting the rescue operation with professionalism and restraint, noting that the victims were freed safely while the criminal network responsible for the abduction was dismantled.
Adeleke also paid tribute to security personnel who Juy made the ultimate sacrifice during the operation, praying for the repose of the souls of the fallen officers and wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
The governor urged security agencies not to relent but to build on the success of the operation by intensifying efforts to rid the country of criminal elements.
The rescued pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
They regained their freedom after a coordinated security operation in which eight suspected kidnappers were arrested, several others were neutralised, and authorities confirmed that no ransom or prisoner exchange was involved in securing their release.