The Senate on Tuesday, 14th July 2026, revealed the identities of three security operatives who lost their lives and another who sustained injuries during the operation that rescued abducted pupils and teachers from terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The upper legislative chamber also called on the Federal Government to maintain and strengthen military operations against terrorists, kidnappers and bandits across the country.
It further urged the government to ensure the timely payment of death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements to the families of the slain security personnel.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and co-sponsored by 108 senators, according to a statement issued by the Office of the Senate Leader.
The Senate praised President Bola Tinubu for what it described as his “decisive leadership, strategic direction and unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture” following the successful rescue of the victims after spending 56 days in captivity.
While presenting the motion, Bamidele recalled that terrorists abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, throwing the victims, their families and the nation into fear and uncertainty.
He described the attack as “a disturbing expansion of organised criminal activities into the South-West” and “a direct attack on the right of every child to be educated in a safe and secure environment.”
According to the Senate Leader, President Tinubu immediately directed the Armed Forces and other security agencies to deploy every lawful military asset available to secure the unconditional release of the captives.
He explained that the security agencies launched an intelligence-led operation that lasted more than 50 days before successfully rescuing the victims on Friday, July 10.
Bamidele added that the operation led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were neutralised.
He identified the security personnel who paid the ultimate price during the mission as Lieutenant F. A. Isaac (N/20349) of the Nigerian Army, Private Silas Musa (23NA/84/4604) of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army, and Sergeant Abena John Jerome (F/No. 234511) of the Nigeria Police Force.
He also disclosed that Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain (16NA/75/6430) of the 81 Battalion, Nigerian Army sustained injuries during the operation.
Bamidele further revealed that one of the abducted teachers died while in captivity.
He said, “Although one of the abducted teachers sadly lost his life during the period of captivity, the successful rescue of the remaining victims without further tragic consequences remains a remarkable achievement worthy of national recognition.
“The successful operation has restored hope and confidence among Nigerians, particularly parents and school communities, while sending an unmistakable message that the Federal Government remains resolute in ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven anywhere within the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Senator Fatai Buhari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, who seconded the motion, described the day of the abduction as a “Black Friday” for his senatorial district.
He noted that “It had been 56 days of agony until the victims were rescued.”
Buhari also disclosed that he visited the rescued pupils and teachers at the hospital shortly after they regained their freedom.
According to him, “One of the children was on oxygen while others were on drips, but within 24 hours, all of them were already on their feet.”
As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Government to intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal groups by providing modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, improved intelligence gathering, better logistics and enhanced welfare for security personnel.
The lawmakers also urged the government “to ensure the prompt payment of all statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other welfare entitlements due to the families of the fallen heroes, and to continue strengthening the welfare, training, equipment and operational capacity of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.”
The Senate further appealed to Nigerians to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies through timely intelligence sharing, cooperation and patriotism, while paying tribute to the fallen operatives and commending President Tinubu for his leadership throughout the rescue mission.
