Security agencies have intensified search efforts in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction of teachers and students from three schools last Friday. A joint team of police officers, soldiers, and Amotekun operatives has been deployed to the area to track the abductors and secure the safe return of the victims. 

The operation is concentrated on forest routes around Old Oyo National Park, the route security sources say the attackers used after leaving Baptist Nursery/Primary School Yawota, Community Grammar School Ahoro-Esinle, and L.A. Primary School. According to updates from the Oyo State Police Command, the mission is being carried out in an intelligence-led and carefully coordinated manner to reduce risk to the captives. 

Police sources familiar with the operation said the abductors are moving with the victims through difficult terrain and are believed to be using them as cover. This has forced security personnel to advance cautiously to avoid casualties. The Oyo State Government and the Police Command confirmed on Thursday morning that none of the abducted teachers or students had been released and that efforts to rescue them were still ongoing. 

President Bola Tinubu has directed all relevant security agencies to sustain coordinated rescue operations across the country, with emphasis on intelligence gathering and safe recovery of abducted citizens. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s security adviser also reiterated that rescue work was active and that the state was working closely with federal security forces. 

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command has warned residents against spreading unverified information about the incident. The command’s public relations officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said false reports of a rescue could undermine the operation and divert resources needed on the ground. He urged the public to rely only on official updates from the police and government channels.