The Nigeria Police Force has intensified efforts toward the kidnapped students rescue operation in Oyo State following the deployment of additional detectives from the Force Headquarters to support ongoing security operations in Oriire Local Government Area. The reinforcement comes days after gunmen abducted students and teachers from schools within the area, triggering widespread concern over school safety and rising insecurity in affected communities.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when suspected gunmen attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Reports indicated that pupils, students, and school staff from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, were among those affected during the incident.
The attack also reportedly resulted in fatalities, including a teacher and a commercial motorcycle rider. The incident has renewed concerns over security around schools in parts of northern Oyo State and intensified national discussions on school protection and community security measures.
Authorities said the latest deployment forms part of a broader kidnapped students rescue strategy involving police tactical units, intelligence officers, Amotekun operatives, local vigilantes, and other security agencies operating across forests and neighbouring communities.
According to security sources, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu ordered the deployment of additional detectives and tactical assets to reinforce ongoing rescue operations in Oriire and adjoining forest areas. The move followed his visit to Oyo State for an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation.
A security source quoted in reports said: “More detectives have been deployed from the Force Headquarters to collaborate with the joint security operatives on the ground.” The source added that government and security agencies were “leaving no stone unturned” to ensure the victims regain freedom safely.
During the visit, the Inspector-General met with Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, alongside other security stakeholders, where operational briefings were presented on ongoing search-and-rescue efforts. The police leadership assured residents that coordinated intelligence gathering and tactical deployments had been strengthened to improve the kidnapped students rescue operation.
The Commandant of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, Col. Olayanju Olayinka (retd.), also confirmed that operatives were combing forests and suspected hideouts in collaboration with local hunters and vigilantes.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command dismissed rumours of another attack in Ogbomoso and Ajaawa communities, describing the reports as false alarms caused by unverified information circulated among students and residents. The command stated that surveillance patrols and visibility policing had since been intensified to restore calm.
Officials stressed that the kidnapped students rescue mission remains active and that all available resources are being deployed to secure the release of the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Security analysts say the incident highlights persistent concerns around school safety and rural security infrastructure in parts of Nigeria. The abduction has also renewed calls for stronger intelligence coordination and improved protection for vulnerable communities.
The Senate has already indicated plans to accelerate constitutional amendments relating to state policing following recent school abductions in Oyo and Borno states. Observers say the outcome of the ongoing kidnapped students rescue efforts could influence wider national debates on security reforms and decentralised policing structures.
