Abuja, June 4, 2026 – The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed that the safe return of school pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State remains a top priority of the Federal Government.
Idris gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja during a news conference themed “United Against Terrors,” where he addressed ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and rescue victims of abduction.
He described the kidnapping of schoolchildren and their teachers as an attack not only on families and communities but also on the nation’s future, education system, and shared values.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the minister assured Nigerians that every effort is being deployed to secure the release of those in captivity and ensure justice for the perpetrators.
He said the President has directed that all lawful and necessary instruments of the state be mobilised toward the rescue mission, including the deployment of specialised security and rescue teams.
Idris also disclosed that the government has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities and forest regions across the country.
He noted that there is ongoing collaboration between the federal and state governments in addressing kidnapping and terrorism, particularly through intelligence sharing and coordinated rescue operations.
According to him, both tiers of government are working continuously with security agencies to secure the release of the abducted victims, especially in rural areas affected by insecurity.
The minister stressed that defeating terrorism requires collective effort, adding that no single institution can address the challenge alone.
He warned that criminal groups rely on fear, division, misinformation, and public despair to achieve their aims, urging Nigerians not to allow such tactics to succeed.
Idris also called on the media to exercise caution in reporting security incidents, noting that terrorists often seek publicity and psychological impact through media attention.
He urged journalists to maintain professionalism by verifying information and avoiding sensational reporting that could inadvertently advance the objectives of criminal groups.
The minister further encouraged citizens to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and sharing credible information to aid ongoing operations.
Also speaking at the briefing, Mr Zakari Mijinyawa, Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser, rejected claims that the country’s armed forces lack the capacity to end insecurity.
He said security agencies are well-equipped and continue to operate based on intelligence, strategy, and careful threat assessment rather than emotional or political pressure.
Mijinyawa explained that decisions on security operations are guided by professional judgment aimed at ensuring the safety of victims and the success of rescue missions.
He added that many security operations are carried out successfully without public disclosure, as part of broader tactical considerations.
He further stated that security personnel remain committed to addressing insecurity across the country through coordinated and sustained efforts.
On the Safe Schools Initiative, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Afolabi Babawale, said the programme is still active but faces challenges in reaching remote and hard-to-access communities.
He explained that the initiative operates through a national coordination centre and maintains officers across states and local government areas to monitor and protect schools.
Babawale noted that while many schools are already captured under the programme, efforts are ongoing to extend coverage to underserved and rural areas.
He acknowledged the recent incident in Oyo State as unfortunate and assured that security agencies are working to uncover the circumstances and ensure improved protection for schools nationwide.