ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the Federal Government deliberately refused to negotiate or pay ransom to terrorists who abducted dozens of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State because security agencies already had sufficient intelligence on the kidnappers’ hideout.
Vanguard reports that the President said the successful rescue of the victims vindicated the government’s strategy of relying on intelligence-driven operations instead of yielding to criminal demands.
Speaking while hosting Oyo traditional rulers led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Tinubu applauded the military, security agencies and traditional institutions for working together to secure the victims’ freedom.
According to him, the operation proved that collaboration between security agencies and local communities remains critical in defeating terrorists and other violent criminal groups.
“Congratulations on the Oriire Oyo State rescue that succeeded. I think we succeeded with your support, prayers, and I agree with you that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance,” the President said.
READ ALSO: Full Text Of President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day
Explaining why his administration rejected the option of ransom payment, Tinubu insisted that security operatives understood the terrain where the victims were being held.
“We refused to pay ransom. We have the geography of the forest. We know what it is,” he declared.
The President noted that every security operation offers fresh lessons, saying government would continue reviewing its security architecture, operational strategies and intelligence gathering to stay ahead of criminal elements.
As part of ongoing reforms, Tinubu announced that the Armed Forces would expand from eight operational divisions to 12, a move he said would significantly reduce response time and strengthen the fight against terrorism and banditry nationwide.
“From eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten the response time, to give that response time the teeth that is needed for us to defeat terrorism and banditry,” he stated.
Tinubu also reaffirmed that his administration remained committed to creating state police, saying the proposed policing system would include constitutional safeguards to prevent political abuse and protect citizens’ rights.
“There will be state police. And as state police will have guardrails from abuses. We protect it from abuses,” he assured.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government was upgrading the capacity of forest guards, stressing that they would no longer be limited to protecting wildlife but would actively support security agencies in flushing out kidnappers, terrorists and bandits operating from forests.
READ ALSO: I Never Negotiated Ransom With Kidnappers – Ndume
“We are equally enhancing the capacity and capability of the forest guards. They are not just to chase antelopes and animals. We are going to have them chase the criminals and deal with them in various forests,” Tinubu added.
The Oriire school attack occurred on May 15 when armed men stormed three schools in the Oyo council area, abducting 39 pupils and seven members of staff, including a school principal.
One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed while in captivity before security forces eventually rescued the remaining victims after 56 days.