President Bola Tinubu says the Federal Government refused to pay ransom or negotiate with kidnappers who abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, as he outlined new security measures following their rescue.
Speaking on Thursday while receiving Oyo traditional rulers led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Tinubu said the abductors demanded money and the release of detained gang members, but the government rejected the terms.
The victims, kidnapped on May 15, 2026, from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, were rescued on July 10 after 56 days in captivity through an intelligence-led, multi-agency operation. Eight suspects were arrested and others neutralized, with no ransom paid.
Tinubu described the operation as a success and praised security forces, noting that detailed knowledge of the forest terrain aided the rescue.
The President said the incident prompted key policy decisions, including the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions to improve response time and territorial coverage.
He also announced plans to strengthen forest guards as frontline security personnel and reiterated support for the creation of state police, with safeguards against abuse.
Tinubu urged communities to support security efforts by providing local intelligence, while calling on state governments to invest more in road infrastructure to improve access for security operations.
The Oriire attack involved the abduction of about 39 pupils and seven teachers, while one teacher was killed during the incident.
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