The Senate on Tuesday unanimously commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for the successful rescue of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a major victory against terrorism and kidnapping.
The motion, sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) and co-sponsored by all members of the 10th Senate, received overwhelming support during plenary.
The Senate recalled that on 15 May 2026, heavily armed terrorists invaded schools in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers, throwing families and the nation into anxiety and highlighting the growing threat posed by criminal groups targeting educational institutions.
Lawmakers noted that following the incident, President Tinubu immediately directed the Armed Forces and all security and intelligence agencies to deploy every lawful resource necessary to secure the unconditional rescue of the victims.
The chamber acknowledged that after more than 50 days of intelligence-driven operations, security forces successfully rescued the victims on 10 July 2026, arrested eight terrorists and neutralised several others, describing the outcome as evidence of improved professionalism, coordination and operational effectiveness among Nigeria’s security agencies.
The Senate, however, lamented the loss of Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa of the Nigerian Army and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force, who paid the supreme sacrifice during the rescue operation. It also recognised the gallantry of Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries while participating in the mission.
Lawmakers observed a minute’s silence in honour of the fallen security personnel and extended condolences to their families, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the entire security community.
While commending the rescued pupils and teachers for their resilience, the Senate urged the Federal Government to ensure their rehabilitation through appropriate agencies, noting that one of the abducted teachers tragically died during captivity.
The upper chamber further commended the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, and all officers and personnel involved in the operation for their professionalism, patriotism and sacrifice.
The Senate urged the Federal Government to sustain ongoing military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits through improved funding, modern equipment, enhanced surveillance technology, better logistics and improved welfare packages for security personnel.
It also called for the prompt payment of death benefits, pensions, insurance claims and other statutory entitlements to the families of the fallen heroes, while encouraging Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies through credible intelligence and cooperation.
During debate, Senator Victor Umeh proposed an additional resolution urging the Armed Forces to review and replicate the successful operational strategies deployed in the Oriire rescue mission in future operations across the country. The amendment was adopted by the Senate.
Similarly, Senator Adams Oshiomhole introduced an additional prayer urging the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde who had earlier called on the United Nations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the rescue operation, to refrain from statements capable of trivialising the efforts and sacrifices of the Federal Government and security agencies. The Senate also adopted the amendment.
At the conclusion of the debate, the Senate directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to transmit copies of its resolutions to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of relevant security and intelligence agencies as a demonstration of the Senate’s appreciation, confidence and continued support for their efforts in safeguarding the nation.
