A former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has said the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State demonstrates that Nigeria possesses the capacity to overcome terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Oyintiloye stated this in a statement obtained in Osogbo, Osun State, on Sunday, describing the operation as a major boost to public confidence in the country’s security efforts.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain said the safe return of the victims had reinforced confidence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu while also strengthening prospects for economic growth and national stability.
Commending President Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, Oyintiloye praised what he described as their gallantry and professionalism during the rescue mission.
“The operation is proof of Nigeria’s capacity to defeat terrorism and other violent crimes,” he said.
While applauding the courage and resilience displayed by the abducted pupils and their teachers throughout their ordeal, he urged governments at all levels to strengthen the nation’s security architecture through improved intelligence gathering, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and proactive responses to emerging security threats.
Oyintiloye also appealed to both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to provide psychological care, rehabilitation and other forms of support for the rescued victims to aid their recovery.
“I congratulate the President, the Oyo State governor, the victims and the people of the state on this development. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of those who lost their loved ones. May their souls rest in peace,” he said.
The former lawmaker further urged the military and other security agencies to sustain the momentum by intensifying efforts to rescue victims still being held captive by terrorists and kidnappers in Borno State and other parts of the country.
He also commiserated with the Armed Forces over the personnel who lost their lives during the rescue operation, saying their sacrifices in defence of the nation would never be forgotten.
Oyintiloye called for stronger action against individuals and networks supplying weapons, vehicles and illicit drugs to criminal groups, stressing the need for greater international cooperation to dismantle the financial and logistical structures sustaining insurgency and organised crime.
He also appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible intelligence capable of preventing attacks and aiding rescue operations.
“Security is a collective responsibility. If you see something, say something. With this successful rescue, there is renewed hope for Nigeria in the fight against insecurity,” he said.
The rescued pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to official reports, 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped during the attack. The Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, was killed while attempting to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the terrorists while in captivity.
The Presidency had earlier confirmed that all the abducted pupils and teachers had regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation in which eight suspected kidnappers were arrested, several others were neutralised, and no ransom or prisoner exchange was involved.