The Senate on Tuesday called for an intensified nationwide military and intelligence offensive against terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminal groups, while cautioning Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against statements lawmakers said could undermine ongoing security operations following his call for a United Nations investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The resolution followed the consideration of a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, on the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, as lawmakers paid glowing tribute to security personnel who lost their lives during the operation and urged the Federal Government to sustain the momentum against terrorism across the country.
The Senate commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the Armed Forces and other security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to secure the unconditional release of the victims after they were abducted by heavily armed terrorists on May 15, 2026.
Lawmakers noted that the rescue operation, which lasted more than 50 days, culminated in the release of the victims on July 10, with eight suspected terrorists arrested while several others were neutralised during coordinated security operations.
The upper chamber described the operation as evidence of improving professionalism, operational efficiency and inter-agency collaboration among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions involved in the mission.
Despite the successful outcome, the Senate observed that the operation came at a heavy cost.
It paid tribute to Lieutenant F. A. Isaac of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa of the 81 Battalion and Sergeant Abena John Jerome of the Nigeria Police Force, who lost their lives during the rescue mission. Lawmakers also recognised Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries during the operation, while expressing sadness over the death of one of the abducted teachers while in captivity.
Describing the rescue of the remaining victims as a significant boost to national morale, particularly among parents and school communities, the Senate urged the Federal Government to ensure the immediate payment of all statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements due to the families of the fallen security personnel.
The lawmakers further called for improved welfare, training, operational equipment and logistics for members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, stressing that sustained investment in security institutions remains critical to the country’s counter-terrorism efforts.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Government to intensify ongoing military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal networks through the deployment of advanced surveillance technology, enhanced intelligence gathering, modern equipment and improved operational support.
The chamber also called on security agencies to redouble efforts to secure the release of other Nigerians still being held captive in different parts of the country.
The debate, however, took a political turn when lawmakers cautioned Governor Makinde over his recent call for the United Nations to investigate the abduction of the Oriire pupils and teachers.
The caution followed contributions by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and was seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.
Although the Senate did not question the governor’s commitment to the rescue of the victims, lawmakers argued that public statements should not diminish confidence in the efforts of Nigerian security institutions at a time they are actively confronting terrorism and kidnapping across the country.
The intervention comes against the backdrop of renewed national conversations on how Nigeria should strengthen accountability after major terrorist incidents, with legal experts increasingly emphasising that successful rescue operations should be followed by thorough investigations, diligent prosecution of suspects and sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for mass abductions.
The rescue of the Oriire pupils has been widely celebrated as one of the country’s most significant security successes in recent years. However, the Senate maintained that the broader objective must remain the complete dismantling of terrorist and kidnapping syndicates, improved protection for schools and communities, and the safe return of hundreds of other Nigerians who remain in captivity across different parts of the country.
