President Bola Tinubu has ordered immediate medical care and relief support for the schoolchildren and teachers rescued after spending 57 days in captivity following their abduction from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The Presidency announced on Friday that all the victims had been freed in a coordinated security operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the operation, while several others were neutralised.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.

He added that the operation was carried out without granting any concession to the kidnappers, including their demand for the release of a notorious gang leader, who remains in custody and is facing prosecution.

“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised.

“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give a full account soon,” Onanuga added.

President Tinubu described the successful operation as a major relief for the victims, their families, and the nation, commending the security agencies for their determination in securing the victims’ freedom.

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso, in Oyo State today after a military-, police-, and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and led to the arrest of eight of them,” the President said.

“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies, and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.”

The President sympathised with the children, teachers, and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal and directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued victims with all necessary medical treatment, psychological support, and relief assistance.

He also commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.

Tinubu further vowed that those responsible for the attack would face justice.

“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.

“I must commend the Government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” he said.

Reacting to the development, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the rescue as “a big relief” after nearly two months of anxiety.

“It’s such a big relief for all of us and for those that have been waiting throughout the past 57 days,” Makinde told Channels Television.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank our service commanders, the Nigeria Police, the DSS, the military, the high command, and, of course, the President, for pushing really hard to make this happen.

“Right now, I’m overjoyed and can hardly say much. I’ll speak further when I can put my thoughts together.”

A video released alongside the Presidency’s statement showed one of the rescued teachers expressing gratitude to President Tinubu and members of the security agencies.

“Hello, sir, our father, we are grateful. President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this.

“Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.

The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir.”

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

The attackers struck Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, abducting dozens of pupils, teachers, and a school principal. One teacher was killed during the attack, while another later died in captivity, sparking nationwide outrage.

The incident triggered protests by teachers in Ogbomoso and renewed calls for improved security around schools.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) condemned the attacks as “barbaric and inhuman”, warning that continued assaults on educational institutions could force teachers nationwide to withdraw their services. The union subsequently held a nationwide rally demanding the victims’ rescue, saying the attacks had created fear, panic, and emotional trauma among teachers, pupils, parents, and affected communities.