The Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde against making statements capable of undermining the efforts of the federal government and the security agencies in the fight against terrorism and kidnapping.
The Senate gave the caution, following Governor Makinde’s call for a United Nations (UN) investigation into the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The warning is part of resolutions adopted on Tuesday, after the Senate considered a motion sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, on the successful rescue of 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers, as well as the sacrifices made by security personnel during the operation.
Senators commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the military and other security agencies to deploy every available resource to secure the unconditional release of the victims, who were abducted by heavily armed terrorists on May 15, 2026.
The Senate also praised the military, intelligence agencies and other security institutions involved in the operation for successfully rescuing the victims after more than 50 days in captivity.
According to the lawmakers, the operation, which culminated in the victims’ rescue on July 10, 2026, also led to the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several others were neutralised.
The Senate noted that the rescue mission demonstrated improved professionalism, operational efficiency and effective inter-agency collaboration among Nigeria’s security services.
Despite the success, senators observed that the operation came at a heavy cost, as Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, Private Silas Musa of the army and police Sergeant Abena John Jerome lost their lives during the rescue mission.
The Senate also recognised the bravery of Lance Corporal Adamu Hussain, who sustained injuries while participating in the operation.
Lawmakers further expressed sadness over the death of one of the abducted teachers while in captivity, but described the rescue of the remaining victims as a significant achievement that restored hope and renewed public confidence in the country’s security institutions.
Consequently, the Senate urged the federal government to ensure the immediate payment of all statutory death benefits, insurance claims, pensions and other entitlements due to the families of the fallen security personnel.
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The lawmakers also called for improved welfare, training, equipment and operational support for members of the military, the police and other security agencies to strengthen their capacity to combat insecurity.
In addition, the Senate urged the federal government to sustain and intensify military and intelligence operations against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements through the provision of modern equipment, advanced surveillance technology, enhanced intelligence gathering, improved logistics and better welfare packages for security personnel.
It further appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue other Nigerians still being held captive in different parts of the country.
During deliberations, the Senate cautioned Governor Makinde over his appeal to the United Nations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction and rescue of the pupils and teachers.
The caution followed a motion introduced by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, with senators maintaining that such statements could undermine the morale of security agencies and ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the country.
