TSF Hails Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers, Commends Security Agencies
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum, TSF, has commended the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a major victory for Nigeria’s security forces and a testament to the Federal Government’s intelligence-driven strategy against terrorism and kidnapping.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Danjuma Sada, the forum said the safe rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity without the payment of ransom underscored the professionalism and operational effectiveness of the country’s security agencies.
The group also welcomed the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and the neutralisation of other members of the criminal gang during the operation, saying the outcome reflected the Tinubu administration’s determination to rescue victims while ensuring that perpetrators face justice.
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According to the forum, the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, unified command and coordinated operational pressure in tackling complex security threats while prioritising the safety of innocent citizens.
It added that the successful rescue without ransom validated the Federal Government’s policy of denying terrorists, bandits and kidnappers financial rewards from criminal activities.
The forum commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the leadership needed to mobilise the nation’s security architecture towards securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
It also praised the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, personnel of the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security and intelligence agencies involved in the rescue operation.
The group further lauded the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government and security agencies throughout the operation, noting that cooperation between federal and state authorities remained critical to addressing insecurity.
The forum, however, criticised individuals it described as activists for allegedly circulating false claims that the abducted pupils and teachers had been moved to northern Nigeria.
It said the rescue of the victims from the Old Oyo National Park forest disproved the reports and highlighted the dangers of misinformation during sensitive security operations.
“The attempt to inject unsupported regional narratives into the abduction of innocent children was reckless and capable of spreading fear, inflaming suspicion and undermining ongoing rescue efforts,” the statement said.
The forum urged activists, political actors, public commentators and media practitioners to verify sensitive information before presenting it as fact, stressing that freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly, particularly during security operations.
It also welcomed President Tinubu’s directive to relevant emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government in providing the rescued pupils and teachers with medical care, psychosocial support and other assistance before their reintegration with their families.
The group further backed the President’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and the family of Mr Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed during the abduction, insisting that all those involved in the crime should be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
The forum urged the Federal Government and state governments to build on the success of the operation by strengthening intelligence sharing, improving security around schools and vulnerable communities, and sustaining coordinated efforts against terrorists and criminal gangs.
It added that the successful rescue sent a strong message that the Nigerian state would continue to pursue kidnappers relentlessly while refusing to make abduction a profitable enterprise through ransom payments.
