Tinubu Explains Why Government Tracked Kidnappers’ Families, Reaffirms No-Ransom Policy After Oyo School Abduction
Reported by Fact Harbour News
ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s policy of refusing to negotiate with kidnappers or pay ransom, saying the decision was instrumental in the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted during the Oriire school attack in Oyo State.
The President made the remarks on Thursday while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State, led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Speaking on the government’s response to the abduction, President Tinubu disclosed that the kidnappers demanded both a ransom payment and the release of members of their criminal gang who were already in government custody. According to him, the Federal Government rejected both demands, insisting that negotiating with criminals would encourage further acts of terrorism and kidnapping.
The President explained that instead of yielding to the demands of the abductors, security agencies relied on intelligence gathering and coordinated military operations, which eventually led to the successful rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity without the payment of any ransom.
Tinubu also revealed that security operatives extended their investigations to the families and communities connected to the kidnappers as part of efforts to dismantle the criminal network and prevent future attacks.
He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for their professionalism and courage throughout the rescue operation, noting that their efforts demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security operations.
According to the President, the rescue mission was made possible because security agencies had developed a detailed understanding of the geographical layout of the forests where the victims were being held, enabling them to plan and execute the operation successfully.
Reflecting on the incident, Tinubu said the Oriire school abduction exposed the need for further reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture and informed his recent decision to approve the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions.
He explained that the additional divisions are intended to improve troop deployment, reduce response times and strengthen the military’s capacity to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
The President noted that security challenges continue to evolve and require constant review of operational strategies, force deployment and intelligence capabilities.
He also disclosed that the Federal Government plans to retrain and properly equip forest guards to serve as frontline security personnel in vulnerable areas, particularly forests frequently used as hideouts by criminal groups.
In addition, Tinubu reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, provided that appropriate constitutional and institutional safeguards are put in place to prevent abuse of the system.
The President urged traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to strengthen cooperation with security agencies by providing timely intelligence that could help prevent criminal activities before they occur.
He also called on state governments to utilise available federal allocations to improve road infrastructure, stressing that better access roads would enhance the mobility of security personnel and improve response times during emergencies.
The Oriire attack, which occurred on May 15, 2026, resulted in the abduction of about 39 pupils and seven teachers, while one teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed during the incident. According to the Presidency, the victims were rescued on July 10, while security operations led to the arrest of eight suspects and the neutralisation of several others involved in the crime.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the people of Oyo State, traditional rulers and members of the armed forces for their cooperation throughout the operation, assuring Nigerians that his administration remains committed to strengthening national security and protecting lives and property through sustained investment in security personnel, intelligence and modern military capabilities.
Fact Harbour News will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates on the Federal Government’s ongoing security reforms and efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.