IGP Disu Explains Delay in Oyo Pupils' Rescue Operation

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu addressed the delay in the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State during a press briefing. The victims were taken in May 2026 when armed attackers stormed schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

They were held captive for 56 days before being freed through a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies. Disu stated that security operatives faced intense public criticism but chose to avoid actions that could jeopardize the victims' safety.

The attackers targeted two schools and fled into a forested area, complicating the rescue efforts due to poor communication infrastructure and limited security presence. Disu revealed that police officers, soldiers, and local vigilantes launched a search operation immediately after the abduction, with one officer losing his life during the pursuit.

Air assets from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Air Force were also deployed for surveillance and search operations throughout the ordeal.