President Bola Tinubu has said the Federal Government did not pay any ransom to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The President made the declaration on Friday in a post on his verified X account after security agencies rescued the victims, who had spent 56 days in captivity.

According to Tinubu, the operation was carried out without yielding to the demands of the abductors.

“We paid no ransom for Oyo victims’ release. No concession was made,” the President said, describing the successful rescue as a victory for the country’s security forces.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15 after gunmen attacked schools in the Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities, abducting dozens of pupils and several teachers. One of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed while in captivity.

The kidnappers had reportedly demanded the release of two detained Ansaru commanders, but the Federal Government rejected the request.

Tinubu commended the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force for what he described as a coordinated and professional rescue operation. He also warned that his administration would continue to pursue terrorists and other criminal groups threatening the country’s security.

Earlier, the Presidency said the victims were freed during a joint operation involving the military, police and intelligence agencies. Eight suspected kidnappers were arrested, while several others were neutralised during the operation.

The President also praised the Oyo State Government for its support throughout the rescue efforts and directed relevant agencies to provide medical care and other assistance to the rescued pupils and teachers.

He further assured that justice would be pursued for the victims, especially the family of Michael Oyedokun, the teacher who lost his life while in captivity.

The rescue brought to an end one of Nigeria’s longest school abduction incidents in recent months.