Mohammed Idris: FG deploying specialised rescue team for abducted Ogbomoso, Borno schoolchildren
Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, says the federal government has deployed a specialised rescue team to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Ogbomoso and Borno states.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Idris said the federal government has also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security in vulnerable communities.
The minister said the safe return of all children and teachers currently in captivity remains a top priority for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“The president has made it clear that no child belongs in captivity and that no effort will be spared in ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice,” Idris said.
“He has directed that every lawful instrument available to the Nigerian state be deployed towards achieving this objective, including the deployment of a specialised rescue team.
“He has also authorised the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security presence across vulnerable communities and forests within the state.”
The minister was speaking against the backdrop of the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo state and a separate attack on a school in Askira-Uba LGA of Borno state, where dozens of children were reported missing.
According to Idris, multiple security and intelligence agencies are working together to secure the release of the victims.
He said the armed forces, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), office of the national security adviser (ONSA), and the National Counter Terrorism Centre are coordinating intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement and rescue operations.
The minister said the Tinubu administration has adopted an intelligence-led security strategy that combines military operations, technological deployment, regional cooperation and socio-economic interventions.
He added that the administration is also pursuing a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, including plans for state policing.
“One of the pillars of this overhaul is the determined implementation of state policing,” Idris said.
“President Tinubu is determined to ensure that one of his legacies is the delivery of a restructured policing system that is dynamic, flexible, and fit-for-purpose.”
Highlighting recent security gains, the minister said troops of Operation Hadin Kai had recorded significant successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the north-east.
According to him, more than 50 terrorists, including high-value targets, were recently neutralised in operations along the Kirawa-Pulka and Ngoshe axes of Borno state.
He added that approximately 1,000 terrorist elements, including dozens of commanders, were eliminated during the first quarter of 2026.
Idris also referenced a joint Nigeria-United States operation conducted in May which disrupted terrorist logistics networks and eliminated key ISWAP commanders, while 92 civilians were rescued from captivity near Buratai.
In the north-west and north-central regions, he said security agencies had intensified operations against bandits and kidnapping syndicates in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kogi, Niger, Kwara and Kaduna states.
The minister said enhanced maritime security operations in the Niger Delta had contributed to a rise of about 400,000 barrels per day in oil production since Tinubu assumed office.
He also highlighted recent successes in terrorism prosecutions, noting that four terrorists convicted over the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo state, were recently sentenced to death.
According to him, Nigeria has also recorded 386 convictions from 508 terrorism-related cases prosecuted in one of the country’s largest terrorism trials.
Idris said the government is strengthening security cooperation with international partners, particularly the United States, in intelligence sharing, military training, border security, cybersecurity and counterterrorism operations.
The minister said President Tinubu has maintained close coordination with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state in responding to the recent abductions.
He added that both federal and state authorities are sharing intelligence and mobilising resources to secure the release of the victims.
While urging citizens to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies, Idris warned against narratives that promote division and fear.
“Terrorism has no tribe. Terrorism has no religion. Terrorism has no political affiliation. Its only purpose is destruction,” he said.
The minister also called on media organisations to report responsibly and avoid sensational coverage that could amplify the objectives of terrorist groups.
He assured families of the abducted victims that the government had not abandoned them.
“Every available resource is being deployed. Every security agency remains engaged. Every intelligence lead is being pursued,” Idris said.
“Nigeria has faced difficult moments before and emerged stronger. We shall overcome this challenge as well. We shall defeat terrorism. We shall protect our schools. We shall safeguard our children.”
