‎BY AHMED AKANBI

‎The Senate has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Armed Forces for the successful rescue of 39 school children and seven teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as a clear demonstration of renewed commitment to national security.

‎The commendation followed a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central), during plenary on Tuesday in which the Senate noted that Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution mandates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

‎Presenting the motion, Bamidele noted that heavily armed terrorists invaded schools in Oriire LGA on May 15, 2026 and abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, an act that subjected families and the entire nation to fear and emotional trauma.

‎He recalled that President Tinubu immediately directed the Armed Forces and all intelligence agencies to deploy every lawful resource to secure the unconditional release of the victims. Consequently, a painstaking, intelligence-driven rescue operation was launched and lasted over 50 days.

‎”On 10 July 2026, the security forces successfully rescued all remaining abductees. The operation led to the arrest of eight terrorists while several other criminal elements were neutralised,” Bamidele said, pointing out that the outcome demonstrated the increasing operational effectiveness, professionalism and tactical superiority of Nigeria’s security architecture.

‎He, however, noted that the success came at a great cost, identifying the personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice as Lieutenant F. A. Isaac, N/20349, Nigerian Army; Private Silas Musa, 23NA/84/4604, 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army; and Sergeant Abena John Jerome, F/No. 234511, Nigeria Police Force while Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, 16NA/75/6430, 81 Battalion, was also injured during the operation.

‎The Senate Leader regretted that one of the abducted teachers lost his life during captivity, but said the rescue of the remaining 45 victims without further casualties remains a remarkable achievement worthy of national recognition. It added that the operation has restored hope among parents and school communities.

‎Paying glowing tribute to the fallen heroes, the chamber observed a minute’s silence in their honour and extended condolences to their families, the Armed Forces, the Police and the entire security community. It also commended Lance Corporal Hussain for his gallantry and urged authorities to ensure he receives the best medical treatment and all welfare entitlements.

‎The Senate resolved to commend Tinubu for his decisive leadership and strategic direction in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture as well as the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, NSA, IGP, DSS, NIA and all personnel who participated in the operation for their courage and selfless service.

‎The chamber further congratulated the rescued children, teachers and their families on the end of their traumatic ordeal, and prayed for the peaceful repose of the teacher who died in captivity. It described the sacrifice of the fallen officers as uncommon gallantry deserving the highest national recognition.

‎It urged the Federal Government to sustain and intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits through provision of modern equipment, surveillance technology and improved welfare for security personnel. It also called for prompt payment of death benefits, insurance and pensions to families of the fallen heroes.