President Bola Tinubu has revealed that the Federal Government refused to negotiate with or pay ransom to the kidnappers who abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, in May 2026. Instead, security agencies tracked members of the kidnappers’ families and communities as part of efforts that eventually led to the victims’ rescue.

Speaking while receiving the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and other Oyo traditional rulers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu said the abductors demanded money and the release of detained gang members, but the government rejected the conditions. He noted that the rescue operation, which lasted 56 days, was intelligence-driven and completed without paying ransom.

The President explained that the incident prompted his administration to strengthen the country’s security architecture. According to him, the decision to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions was aimed at improving response times and increasing the military’s operational reach against terrorism and banditry. He also reiterated plans to establish state police with safeguards against abuse and to retrain forest guards into frontline security personnel.

Tinubu stressed that the government would not bargain with criminals, saying security agencies relied on intelligence and knowledge of the terrain to secure the victims’ release. He praised the armed forces for the successful operation and urged Nigerians to appreciate their efforts.

He further called on traditional rulers to encourage residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities in their communities, describing intelligence gathering as critical to tackling insecurity. The President also urged state governments to invest more in road infrastructure to improve access for security agencies to remote areas.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Oba Ladoja thanked the President and the armed forces for securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers. He also commended the Federal Government’s efforts to rehabilitate major roads across Oyo State, noting that improved infrastructure would enhance development and security.

The Oriire abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in Oyo State, abducting about 39 pupils and seven teachers. Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was killed during the attack. The victims regained their freedom on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity, while security forces arrested eight suspects and neutralised others during the operation.