President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Nigerian troops and other security personnel for their dedication and sacrifices in the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the country.

In a message posted on his official X account on Monday, the President described members of the Armed Forces and security agencies as the nation’s shield against criminal elements threatening peace, safety, and national unity.

According to Tinubu, security operatives continue to make immense sacrifices in difficult and dangerous environments to ensure that Nigerians can go about their daily activities without fear.

“You stand as a shield between innocent citizens and those who seek to destroy the peace, safety, and dignity of our communities,” the President stated.

He noted that personnel of the military and other security agencies are deployed across forests, highways, airspace, waterways, and remote operational areas, carrying the responsibility of protecting millions of citizens.

“In the forests, on the roads, at forward operating bases, in the air, creeks, and across difficult terrains, you carry the burden of national protection so that millions of Nigerians can sleep, work, worship, farm, trade, and raise their children in hope,” he said.

The President acknowledged the challenges faced by security personnel, noting that the battle against terrorism and insecurity has come with enormous pressure, hardship, and sacrifice.

“This fight has not been easy. It has come with pain, pressure, and sacrifice. But your courage has remained firm. Your service is acknowledged. Your sacrifice is honoured. Your country does not take you for granted,” he added.

Tinubu extended his appreciation to members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), intelligence agencies, local security outfits, and other stakeholders contributing to national security efforts.

The President also paid tribute to the families of security personnel, recognizing the emotional burden they bear while their loved ones serve the nation in various operational theatres.

“I also acknowledge the families behind the uniform. Many of you have endured long absences, anxious nights, and the emotional cost of duty. Nigeria remembers that sacrifice, too,” he said.

He further honoured officers and men who lost their lives while protecting the country, describing their sacrifice as crucial to preserving peace and safeguarding communities.

Tinubu called on Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist in preventing criminal activities and tracking down perpetrators.

“The fight against terror is not only a military operation. It is a national duty. Citizens must support our security forces by providing timely, useful information. When you see something, say something. When you know something, report it,” the President urged.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ending insecurity, Tinubu stressed that Nigeria would not bow to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, or violent extremists.

“Nigeria will not surrender to fear. We will not allow terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, or violent extremists to define who we are as a people. Their violence is not our identity. Their hatred does not represent Nigerians of any faith, creed, or community,” he declared.

The President concluded by expressing gratitude to frontline security personnel for their courage, vigilance, and commitment to national service, while praying for their safety and success in ongoing operations.

Tinubu’s remarks come amid renewed security concerns in several parts of the country, including incidents of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence. Recent months have witnessed a number of mass abductions, including the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno States, attacks on rural communities by armed groups, and the abduction of travellers along major highways.

Despite these challenges, the Federal Government has continued to assure Nigerians that efforts are being intensified to restore peace and strengthen security across the country.

ABUJA, June 6, 2026 — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the successful rescue of a woman, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted in Ibadan, Oyo State, earlier this week.

The victims regained their freedom on Saturday evening following a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Anthony Okon Placid, the rescue operation was conducted at about 7:30 p.m. on June 6, 2026, after days of intensive surveillance, intelligence gathering, and tactical tracking of the kidnappers’ movements.

Mrs. Adegoke and her twin sons were reportedly kidnapped at approximately 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, while she was driving the children to school in Ibadan. The incident triggered an immediate response from security agencies, with the FID-IRT launching a comprehensive operation aimed at locating the victims and apprehending their captors.

The police disclosed that sustained intelligence efforts enabled operatives to identify and monitor the movements of the kidnapping gang, leading to a confrontation between the suspects and security personnel during the rescue mission.

During the exchange, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded, while security operatives recovered two rifles believed to have been used by the criminal syndicate. The remaining members of the gang reportedly fled the scene.

The rescued victims were found unharmed and have since been placed under protective custody, where they are receiving medical attention and psychological support.

The Inspector-General of Police commended the courage, professionalism, and dedication demonstrated by the FID-IRT operatives and other officers involved in the operation. He noted that their commitment and resilience were instrumental in ensuring the safe recovery of the hostages without harm.

Meanwhile, the police have intensified efforts to track down and arrest other members of the kidnapping syndicate who escaped during the operation. Preliminary intelligence suggests that some of the fleeing suspects sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation.

Security agencies have launched a manhunt across the area and adjoining locations to ensure all those connected to the abduction are apprehended and prosecuted.

The Nigeria Police Force also expressed appreciation to members of the public for their support, cooperation, and patience throughout the operation, reiterating its commitment to combating violent crimes, safeguarding lives and property, and maintaining public safety across the country.

DCP Anthony Okon Placid assured Nigerians that ongoing operations would continue until every member of the criminal network responsible for the abduction is brought to justice.

The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its investigation into the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Ahoro-Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area of the state, with the arrest of six suspected informants, couriers and collaborators linked to the kidnapping syndicate.

However, security authorities have confirmed that the principal bandits responsible for carrying out the attack remain at large, continuing to evade security forces operating within the forests surrounding the Old Oyo National Park.

According to official security reports, the suspects were identified and apprehended following extensive telephone surveillance and intelligence gathering that traced communications between the kidnappers and their local collaborators.

Suspects Served as Informants and Logistics Providers

Investigators disclosed that the arrested individuals were not members of the core kidnapping gang but played critical support roles by facilitating communication, movement of funds and logistical operations for the bandits.

Among those arrested are Babangida Buhari Awalu and Kabiru Aliyu, both commercial motorcycle operators popularly known as Okada riders. Security agencies said the duo functioned as couriers for the syndicate and were apprehended in the Ojoo area of Ibadan while allegedly attempting to retrieve ransom proceeds on behalf of the kidnappers.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Adewuyi Sunday, Ayanwola Gbenga, and Rafiu Abdulmajeed, who are believed to have assisted the criminal network by providing logistical support and facilitating financial transactions. The suspects reportedly hail from communities in Gbugbu, Kwara State, and Ago-Are in Oyo State.

Another suspect, Adeleye Ayomide, a university student, was tracked and arrested by military personnel after security operatives allegedly discovered a mobile phone belonging to one of the abducted victims in his possession. Investigators also traced electronic ransom demands sent to parents and guardians of the victims to a device linked to him.

Security agencies have declined to disclose the precise residential addresses of the suspects, citing ongoing investigations, prosecution procedures and security concerns.

Phone Intercepts Expose Local Collaboration

The arrests followed the interception of several telephone conversations made during and after the abduction.

According to the Oyo State Police Command, the intercepted communications revealed how local informants allegedly guided the kidnappers through difficult forest routes and provided real-time intelligence to help them evade military and police operations within the expansive Old Oyo National Park.

Security sources disclosed that some of the conversations contained detailed directions on movement routes, security checkpoints and escape paths, highlighting the level of collaboration between the forest-based bandits and their local accomplices.

Bandits Exploit Technology to Avoid Detection

Despite the breakthroughs, authorities acknowledged that tracking the core members of the kidnapping gang has proven difficult.

Officials from the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy explained that the criminals have adopted sophisticated communication methods designed to defeat conventional tracking systems.

Although Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage policy was introduced to improve traceability and curb criminal activities, investigators said the kidnappers deploy advanced call-routing techniques and portable network-masking devices that reroute communications through multiple remote telecommunications towers.

The technology effectively conceals their actual locations and makes it difficult for security agencies to pinpoint their exact coordinates during operations.

Security experts say the growing use of such tools by criminal networks presents a new challenge for law enforcement agencies battling kidnapping, terrorism and organized crime across the country.

Ransom Funds Traced Through Banking Channels

Investigators also uncovered a financial network allegedly used by the kidnappers to receive, distribute and conceal ransom payments.

Security reports indicate that ransom proceeds and electronic extortion payments linked to communications traced to Adeleye Ayomide were routed through an account with Wema Bank.

Authorities further discovered that funds were transferred through accounts belonging to Adewuyi Sunday, Ayanwola Gbenga and Rafiu Abdulmajeed. These accounts allegedly served as temporary collection and distribution channels before cash was delivered to bandits operating within the forest.

The financial trail is now being examined by investigators seeking to identify additional members of the criminal network and establish the full scope of the syndicate’s operations.

CBN, Anti-Graft Agencies Freeze Accounts

As part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the network, the affected accounts have reportedly been flagged and frozen by financial regulators and anti-corruption agencies.

Investigators are analysing transaction records to determine the movement of ransom funds, identify additional beneficiaries and uncover any wider criminal connections.

Security officials expressed optimism that the financial intelligence obtained from the frozen accounts could lead to further arrests and eventually expose the leadership structure of the kidnapping syndicate.

Search for Main Kidnappers Continues

While authorities describe the arrests as a major breakthrough, they stress that the operation remains ongoing.

Security forces continue to conduct coordinated ground and intelligence-led operations in forest corridors around Old Oyo National Park in an effort to locate and apprehend the principal kidnappers.

Officials maintain that the dismantling of the syndicate’s support network is expected to weaken the group’s operational capacity and improve the chances of capturing the armed bandits who orchestrated the school abduction.

The Ahoro-Esiele school kidnapping sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and rural communities from increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.