President Bola Tinubu has expressed delight over the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, describing the operation as a major victory for Nigeria’s security forces after more than 50 days in captivity.

In a statement issued on Friday by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president commended the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for what he described as a coordinated, intelligence-led operation that secured the victims’ freedom without collateral damage.

Tinubu also hailed the security agencies for arresting eight suspected kidnappers while neutralising others involved in the abduction.

The President acknowledged the trauma endured by the abducted pupils, their teachers, their families and the nation throughout the 56-day ordeal, noting that the successful operation had brought relief to all those affected.

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.

“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.”

The president vowed that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed by the kidnappers during the incident.

“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered.

“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” Tinubu said.

He also praised the Oyo State Government for collaborating closely with the Federal Government throughout the rescue mission and urged the state authorities to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.

The president further directed relevant emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide immediate medical care and other relief assistance to the rescued pupils and teachers as they recover from the ordeal.