FG vows to crush terrorists, rescue abducted pupils in Oyo, Borno

The Nigerian Federal Government has launched an aggressive security offensive aimed at rescuing abducted students and teachers currently held by terrorists in Oyo and Borno States. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the initiative at a national security briefing in Abuja, where he conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s firm stance that “no child belongs in captivity.” To bolster these efforts, the President has ordered the immediate deployment of a specialized rescue team and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to better secure vulnerable communities and monitor hidden routes used by criminal syndicates.

Beyond the immediate rescue mission, the administration emphasized a shift toward an intelligence-driven security strategy that includes advanced aerial surveillance and closer coordination with local communities. Minister Idris highlighted that while military pressure has led to the neutralization of hundreds of terrorists and the successful rescue of numerous victims nationwide, the government is also working toward a long-term overhaul of the national security architecture. This effort includes institutionalizing state policing to ensure that local regions have the resources and authority to respond more effectively to emerging threats.

The government also reported significant progress in the judiciary, announcing that the Federal High Court in Abuja recently sentenced four terrorists to death for their roles in the 2022 St. Francis Catholic Church attack in Owo. According to the Minister, Nigeria is currently conducting one of the largest terrorism prosecution exercises in its history, with over 380 convictions secured from 508 cases prosecuted thus far. These judicial wins are being presented as evidence of the government’s commitment to dismantling the operational capacity of extremist groups.

Addressing the broader economic context, Minister Idris explained that security gains in the South-East and South-South regions have already led to an increase in crude oil production by approximately 400,000 barrels per day. He argued that military force must be complemented by the government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which focuses on infrastructure expansion and economic opportunities as the only permanent solution to the root causes of instability. He maintained that peace is a collaborative effort between the federal government and state authorities, citing ongoing cooperation with the leadership in Oyo and Borno States.

In a plea for national unity, the Minister urged media organizations and the public to be cautious with their reporting to avoid playing into the hands of insurgents. He warned that misinformation and sensationalist coverage often serve the objectives of terrorists, who thrive on public fear and the perception of government weakness. He stated, “Terrorists thrive on fear, division, misinformation and public despair. Their objective is not only to kidnap or kill but also to weaken national unity and undermine confidence in our institutions.”

Concluding the briefing, the government reaffirmed its dedication to the families of those still in captivity, promising that all security assets and intelligence leads are currently being exhausted to secure their release. The minister reiterated that the #UniteAgainstTerror campaign is a call for all Nigerians to treat insecurity as a collective challenge that transcends religious, political, and tribal boundaries. He expressed confidence that these coordinated measures would ultimately restore safety to Nigeria’s schools and communities, stating, “Together, united in purpose and unwavering in resolve, we will ensure that terrorism has no future in Nigeria.”