By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has explained why the Federal Government declined to pay ransom to terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, stating that security agencies possessed adequate intelligence and a thorough understanding of the terrain where the victims were being held.

The President made the remarks on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

Commending the armed forces for the successful rescue operation, Tinubu attributed the outcome to improved security coordination, intelligence gathering, and the support of traditional institutions.

“Congratulations on the successful Oriire rescue operation. We achieved this with your support and prayers. I also join you in commending the men and women of the armed forces for their outstanding performance,” the President said.

Reaffirming his administration’s policy against negotiating with criminals through ransom payments, Tinubu noted that the government’s decision was guided by detailed knowledge of the forest environment and intelligence assessments.

“We refused to pay ransom. We understand the geography of the forest. We know the terrain and what it entails,” he stated.

The President added that the operation underscored the need for continuous review and strengthening of Nigeria’s security architecture to effectively confront emerging threats posed by terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities.

“Every incident teaches us new lessons, opens our eyes to fresh realities, and challenges us to continually reassess our security architecture, strategies, operational maps, and methods,” he said.

Tinubu further disclosed that the military is expanding its operational capacity by increasing the number of divisions nationwide from eight to twelve, a move aimed at reducing response times and enhancing the effectiveness of security operations.

“From eight divisions, we are moving to twelve divisions to shorten response time and provide the operational strength needed to defeat terrorism and banditry,” he explained.

The President also reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, assuring Nigerians that adequate safeguards would be introduced to prevent abuse of the system.

“There will be state police, and there will be guardrails to prevent misuse. We will ensure that the system is protected from abuse,” he said.

He urged traditional rulers to sustain their support for ongoing security efforts and revealed that the Federal Government is strengthening the capacity of forest guards to tackle criminal elements hiding in forests across the country.

“We are enhancing the capability of forest guards. Their responsibility goes beyond protecting wildlife; they will play a crucial role in tracking down criminals and confronting them in our forests,” Tinubu added.

The Oriire school abduction occurred on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, kidnapping 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed while in captivity. The remaining victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity, with the Presidency announcing their release on July 10.

The successful rescue operation has been widely regarded as a significant breakthrough in the government’s ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and restore public confidence in the nation’s security apparatus.