Three Charged Over Oriire School Kidnappings

​Abuja — The Federal Government has initiated legal proceedings against three suspects in connection with the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State.

​The defendants, identified as Abdulrazak Umar (also known as Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (Yunusa bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (Abu Itisar), were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja this Friday. The trio, all reported to be from Suleja, Niger State, face a 10-count charge encompassing terrorism, kidnapping, concealment, incitement, and illegal mining.

​Case Background

​The charges allege that the defendants conspired with others—specifically Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed, and Ibrahim Khabab—between January and May 2026 to orchestrate the mass kidnapping. Prosecutors state that the defendants not only aided in the abduction but also deliberately concealed the identities and operational activities of the masterminds. These actions, according to the prosecution, violate Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

​Context of the Rescue

​The arraignment follows a significant security breakthrough earlier this month. On July 10, 2026, a coordinated multi-agency operation involving the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS) successfully secured the freedom of the captives after 56 days in the Old Oyo National Park forest reserve.

ADVERTISEMENT

​Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the rescue was achieved without the payment of ransom or any concessions to the kidnappers. While authorities reported that several terrorists were killed during the operation, eight suspects—including the three now arraigned—were apprehended and placed in DSS custody.

​Current Status of Victims

​Following their release, the rescued individuals were moved to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso for urgent medical and psychological evaluation. As of July 14, 2026, 31 of the 39 rescued children had been certified medically fit and discharged to reunite with their families. Eight remain under specialized care to ensure a complete recovery from their ordeal.

​Governor Seyi Makinde, who formally received the victims in Ibadan, has lauded the security forces for the successful operation while reiterating the urgent need for enhanced school security measures to prevent future incursions.

​Oyo State rescue operation update

​This video provides an overview of the government’s announcement regarding the rescue operation and the commitment that no ransom was paid to secure the victims’ release.