‘We know the forest’ — Tinubu explains refusal to negotiate with terrorists over Oriire abduction

President Bola Tinubu has explained why the Federal Government refused to negotiate with the terrorists who abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying security agencies understood the terrain where the victims were held.

Tinubu spoke on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Oyo State led by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

The President commended the armed forces for securing the release of the abducted victims and said the successful operation was achieved through the support of the traditional institution and improved security coordination.

“Congratulations on the Oriire Oyo State rescue that succeeded. I think we succeeded with your support, prayers, and I agree with you that we should commend the men and women of the armed forces for their excellent performance,” Tinubu said.

He reiterated his administration’s policy against paying ransom to criminal groups, stressing that intelligence and knowledge of the forest environment informed the government’s approach.

“We refused to pay ransom. We have the geography of the forest. We know what it is,” the President said.

According to Tinubu, the rescue operation also reinforced the need to continually review Nigeria’s security architecture to improve responses to terrorism and banditry.

“Each event teaches us new method, opens our eyes, challenges us to examine and re-examine our architecture, our strategies, our map and operations,” he said.

The President disclosed that the military was expanding its operational capacity by increasing the number of divisions from eight to 12 to reduce response time and strengthen efforts against insecurity.

“From eight divisions, we are now moving to 12 divisions to shorten the response time, to give that response time the teeth that is needed for us to defeat terrorism and banditry,” he said.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing state police, saying safeguards would be put in place to prevent abuse.

“There will be state police. And as state police will have guardrails from abuses. We protect it from abuses,” he said.

He urged traditional rulers to continue supporting security efforts, adding that the government was strengthening the capacity of forest guards to combat criminal elements operating in forests.

“We are equally enhancing the capacity and capability of the forest guards. They are not just to chase antelopes and animals. We are going to have them chase the criminals and deal with them in various forests,” he added.

Gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire LGA on May 15, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed in captivity. The Presidency announced on July 10 that the remaining victims had regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.