The Senate has praised President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while cautioning Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the incident.
The warning followed Makinde’s remarks while receiving the 45 rescued victims on Monday. The governor had argued that Nigerians deserved a full account of the circumstances surrounding the abduction, insisting that his call for international scrutiny was intended to promote accountability rather than discredit Nigeria’s institutions.
During Tuesday’s plenary, lawmakers adopted a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, commending the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions for rescuing the victims after more than 50 days in captivity. The Senate also applauded President Tinubu for directing security agencies to deploy every available resource to secure their unconditional release.
According to the Senate, the rescue operation led to the release of the victims on July 10, 2026, the arrest of eight suspected terrorists and the elimination of several others. Lawmakers described the operation as a reflection of improved professionalism, operational efficiency and stronger collaboration among the country’s security agencies.
The Senate, however, expressed sadness over the death of one of the abducted teachers while in captivity and paid tribute to the security personnel who lost their lives during the rescue mission. It urged the Federal Government to ensure the prompt payment of benefits and entitlements to the families of the fallen officers.
Lawmakers also called for increased investment in the welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies. They further urged the Federal Government to sustain military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements while intensifying efforts to rescue other Nigerians still being held captive.
During the debate, Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Aniekan Bassey supported the Senate’s position, warning that public officials should avoid statements capable of undermining the efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in addressing insecurity. The Senate subsequently urged Governor Makinde to exercise caution in his public comments on security matters.
