Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national
orientation, says President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full-scale rescue
operation for the abducted Ogbomoso and Borno schoolchildren.
Idris spoke in Abuja on Thursday during a press conference
on national security tagged #UniteAgainstTerror.
The minister’s comments come amid growing public concern
over the rising wave of attacks on schools across the country, which has
triggered protests in several locations, including the nation’s capital, since
Monday.
On May 15, gunmen abducted about 39 students and seven
teachers from three schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo state.
Two people were killed during the attack on one of the
schools, while Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, was later killed
in captivity.
In a separate incident in mid-May, about 42 children were
reportedly abducted from a school in Askira-Uba LGA of Borno state.
Addressing the incidents, Idris said the abductions are not
merely attacks on communities and families but assaults on the future of the
country, education and the values that bind citizens together.
He, however, on behalf of the president, assured that “the
safe return of every child and every teacher currently in captivity remains a
top national priority”.
“The president has made it clear that no child belongs in
captivity and that no effort will be spared in ensuring that those responsible
for these heinous crimes are brought to justice,” the minister added.
“He has directed that every lawful instrument available to
the Nigerian state be deployed towards achieving this objective, including the
deployment of a specialised rescue team.”
The minister said the president has also authorised the
recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security presence across
vulnerable communities and forests.
He noted that the Borno attack bears the familiar signature
of terrorist groups that have for years sought to undermine education and
destabilise communities in the north-east.
“While operational details cannot be disclosed for security
reasons, I can assure Nigerians that multiple security and intelligence
agencies are working in close coordination,” he said.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State
Services, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Intelligence Agency, the
Office of the National Security Adviser, and the National Counter Terrorism
Centre are actively involved in ongoing efforts.
“Intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community
engagement, and search-and-rescue operations are continuing without
interruption.”
‘WE SHALL OVERCOME THIS CHALLENGE’
Idris said the Tinubu administration’s response goes beyond
the deployment of force, noting that it is anchored on a comprehensive,
intelligence-led approach to national security, alongside an overhaul of the
country’s security architecture.
According to him, one of the key pillars of the reforms is
the implementation of state policing, which he said the president is determined
to leave as part of his legacy.
“President Tinubu is determined to ensure that one of his
legacies is the delivery of a restructured policing system that is dynamic,
flexible, and fit-for-purpose — one that truly empowers and secures local
communities,” he said.
The minister said the administration inherited complex
security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and oil theft,
but has adopted a strategy that combines military pressure, intelligence
coordination, technology, regional cooperation and socio-economic
interventions.
He claimed that since May 2023, hundreds of terrorists and
criminal elements have been neutralised, arrested or forced to surrender, while
numerous kidnapping victims have been rescued across the country.
Idris also linked lasting security to economic development,
saying the government is pursuing reforms aimed at promoting inclusive growth
and shared prosperity.
“There is a fundamental point to be made: that the enduring
solution to Nigeria’s security challenges lies in shared and inclusive economic
growth and shared prosperity,” he said.
“This is why President Tinubu is championing the most
ambitious, forward-looking, and productive economic reforms in our nation’s
history.”
‘TERRORISM HAS NO TRIBE’
The minister also urged Nigerians to support security
agencies and reject divisive narratives, stressing that terrorism has no
ethnic, religious or political identity.
“Whether in Oyo, Borno, Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, the
South-East, or any other part of Nigeria, an attack against one Nigerian is an
attack against all Nigerians,” he said.
“Terrorism has no tribe. Terrorism has no religion.
Terrorism has no political affiliation. Its only purpose is destruction.”
Idris called on media organisations to exercise restraint
and professionalism in reporting security issues, warning that sensational
coverage could inadvertently advance the objectives of terrorist groups.
“To the families whose children and loved ones remain in
captivity, I convey the assurances of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
“Your pain is our pain. Your government – our government –
has not forgotten you.
“Every available resource is being deployed. Every security
agency remains engaged. Every intelligence lead is being pursued.”
Idris expressed confidence that the country would overcome
the current security challenges.
“Nigeria has faced difficult moments before and emerged
stronger. We shall overcome this challenge as well,” he said.
“We shall defeat terrorism. We shall protect our schools. We
shall safeguard our children. And we shall continue to build a nation where
every Nigerian can live, learn, work, and prosper in peace.”
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