The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified efforts to secure the release of teachers and pupils abducted from communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, deploying aerial surveillance assets to support ongoing search-and-rescue operations.
The victims, drawn from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, were kidnapped on May 15 during a deadly attack by armed bandits. One of the teachers was reportedly killed while in captivity.
Governor Seyi Makinde disclosed the development during a courtesy visit by representatives of the Chief of the Air Staff and the Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command.
According to a statement issued by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Air Force swiftly deployed surveillance aircraft immediately after the abduction was reported, generating intelligence that has assisted security agencies in tracking developments and coordinating rescue efforts.
Makinde commended the Air Force for its prompt intervention and assured residents that every available resource was being deployed to secure the safe return of the victims.
The governor noted that the surveillance support became necessary while Oyo State’s newly acquired aerial security assets are being assembled at the NAF Base in Lagos. He expressed confidence that the aircraft would strengthen security operations across the state and neighbouring regions once operational.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at rescuing the abducted teachers and pupils and combating insecurity nationwide.
South-West CAN Seeks Emergency Measures
Amid growing concerns over rising cases of kidnapping and banditry, the South-West chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity.
The association's chairman, Bishop Barnabas Akin-Akinsanya, described the worsening security situation across Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo and Lagos states as a serious threat to national peace, economic growth and social stability.
He called for the deployment of advanced surveillance technology, drones, intelligence systems, modern communication gadgets and rapid-response mechanisms to tackle criminal networks.
According to him, governments at all levels must move beyond rhetoric and adopt extraordinary measures to address what has become a national emergency.
Ooni Urges Traditional Rulers to Join Security Efforts
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on traditional rulers across Yorubaland to strengthen community-based efforts against banditry and kidnapping.
Speaking during the grand finale of the 2026 Ifa Festival, the monarch urged traditional institutions, religious leaders and community stakeholders to work closely with government and security agencies in restoring peace and safeguarding communities.
He stressed that traditional values of justice, vigilance and communal responsibility should be harnessed in the fight against criminality.
ITUC-Africa Condemns School Abductions
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has criticised the Federal Government over the growing wave of schoolchildren and teacher abductions across the country.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, the organisation described the recurring kidnappings as a direct threat to education, productivity and national development.
ITUC-Africa warned that the continued targeting of schools risks creating a climate of fear that undermines learning and economic activities, urging authorities to dismantle criminal networks and restore public confidence in the nation's security architecture.
Ogun Police Dismiss Viral Bandit Video
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has debunked a viral social media video allegedly showing armed bandits operating in a forest within the state.
Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi said investigations revealed that the footage neither originated from Ogun State nor from Nigeria.
According to the command, independent fact-checks traced the video to Kenya, where it was reportedly recorded during an operation involving cattle rustlers. The footage, first uploaded in 2022, was recently recycled and falsely linked to Ogun State.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, urged residents to disregard the video and avoid sharing unverified information capable of causing panic.
He reaffirmed that security agencies have no intelligence reports indicating the presence of such criminal groups within Ogun State and called on the public to rely on verified information from official sources.
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