The Senate has warned the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, against making any statement that could undermine the ongoing efforts by the federal government and security agencies on the fight against terrorism and kidnapping. This is coming following the governor’s appeal to the United Nations to investigate the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The warning was part of the resolutions reached today after lawmakers debated a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, on the successful rescue of 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers in Oriire, and the sacrifices of security personnel during the operation, Channels TV reports.
The Senate, while praising the security agencies for securing the release of the victims, also praised President Bola Tinubu for directing the Armed Forces and other security institutions to deploy all necessary resources to ensure their unconditional freedom, after they were kidnapped by heavily armed terrorists on May 15, 2026.
Lawmakers said the rescue mission lasted more than 50 days and resulted in the liberation of the victims on July 10, 2026. The operation also saw the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while some others were neutralised.
The Senate remarked that the mission was a manifestation of the increasing professionalism, operational efficiency and inter-agency coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions that took part in the operation.
But legislators recognised there was a high price for the success. The rescue mission resulted in the deaths of Lieutenant F.A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion of the Nigerian Army and Sgt Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force. The Senate also commended Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who was injured while taking part in the operation.
It was tragic that one of the abducted teachers died in captivity, the chamber said, but the liberation of the surviving victims was a tremendous achievement that had restored hope and faith among Nigerians notably parents and school communities.
The Senate, therefore, asked the federal government to ensure swift payment of all statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements owed to the families of the dead security officers.
The lawmakers also urged the government to continue to improve the welfare, training, equipment and operational capabilities of the members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
The Senate also mandated the federal government to maintain and intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups, through provision of modern equipment, sophisticated surveillance technology, improved intelligence capabilities, improved logistics and improved welfare packages for security personnel.
The upper chamber also called on security services to accelerate their efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians currently being held hostage in different parts of the country.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole presented the caution against Governor Makinde and it was seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.
About the Author
