By Abigail David

A former Assistant Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mohammed Ngoshe, says sustained pressure from security agencies forced the abductors of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to release their captives.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, Ngoshe commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the rescue operation, urging Nigerians to recognise their efforts.

He said security operatives isolated the kidnappers’ hideout, restricted their movement and disrupted their supply lines, making it difficult for them to obtain food, weapons and intelligence.

According to Ngoshe, the coordinated operation left the abductors with limited options, eventually leading to the release of the victims.

“There was a congregation of security forces, and positions were taken after the location was isolated. They were denied access to food, weapons and their informants,” he said.

Ngoshe also disclosed that three security personnel were killed during the operation after encountering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) while advancing on the kidnappers’ location.

He said the abductors released the pupils and teachers as security forces intensified operations around their hideout before troops continued with the operation.

The rescue followed the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, an incident that prompted a coordinated response by the military, police and other security agencies.

By Abigail David

Emotions ran high at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso on Tuesday as pupils and teachers rescued from captivity in Oyo State reunited with their families after 56 days.

Parents gathered at the hospital from the early hours, awaiting medical clearance for the victims’ discharge. Cheers, prayers and tears of joy followed as hospital officials announced the names of those certified fit to return home.

One of the rescued teachers, Mary Dahunsi, thanked God for preserving their lives and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, security agencies, religious leaders and Nigerians for their support and prayers throughout the ordeal.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Olawale Olakulehin, said 31 of the 39 rescued pupils had been discharged, while eight remained under medical observation. He disclosed that one child was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect during routine medical examinations and would receive further care with support from the Oyo State Government.

According to hospital officials, 44 rescued pupils and teachers underwent medical and psychological assessments before being reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said the Federal Government plans to establish two military bases and deploy specialised security units to Oriire Local Government Area to strengthen security following the abduction.

The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area. They regained their freedom on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity.

By Aga Samuel Imoter, Jalingo

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has endorsed the Nigerian Navy’s proposal to establish a Forward Operating Base in Kashimbila, Takum Local Government Area, describing the project as a strategic initiative to strengthen security and support economic development.

Governor Kefas gave the endorsement on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Navy Headquarters at the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo. The delegation is in Taraba State to assess the suitability of Kashimbila for the proposed facility.

The governor said the base would complement the work of other security agencies by improving border surveillance, protecting critical infrastructure and enhancing security along Taraba State’s border with Cameroon.”Security is the foundation of development. No society can truly prosper without peace, and every investment in security is an investment in the future of our people,” Kefas said.

He noted that Kashimbila’s strategic location, the presence of the Kashimbila Dam, its inland waterways and proximity to the Cameroon border make it suitable for a permanent naval presence. He also pledged the state’s continued support for collaboration between the military and other security agencies.

Leading the delegation, the Chief of Administration at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters, Rear Admiral Jonathan Nwunuji Mamman, said the proposed base would enhance border surveillance, improve the protection of critical national infrastructure and strengthen operational responses to cross-border security challenges.The delegation is expected to conduct an on-site assessment of the proposed location before further decisions are made on the project.