IG honours fallen officer, praises security team for Oyo school rescue operation

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has paid tribute to Sergeant John Abena, the police officer who was killed during the multi-agency operation that secured the release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, describing his death as the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

Disu spoke on Friday while receiving police personnel who participated in the rescue mission, commending their courage and professionalism in the operation that led to the safe recovery of dozens of victims abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.

The Inspector-General recalled that the officers had been deployed alongside personnel from other security agencies for what he described as a critical national assignment.

He said, “We just finished prayer for the officer we lost in the Oyo State school abduction incident. I called all of you here a few weeks ago and told you that you would be joining other sister agencies on a very serious national assignment.

“I’m happy you went there and made us proud. I received reports from the operation commander on the role you played. I cannot thank you enough for your service to the nation.”

Disu disclosed that officers who sustained injuries during the rescue operation were recovering and assured them that the Force would continue to provide the necessary medical care and welfare support.

He said both public and private hospitals had been engaged to ensure the injured personnel received adequate treatment, while the family of the deceased officer would not be abandoned.

“For the others who sustained injuries, we are happy they are recovering very fast.”

The police chief defended the Force’s practice of publicly announcing the deaths of officers killed in the line of duty, saying fallen personnel deserved to be recognised and honoured for their sacrifices.

“Police officers first and foremost are human beings. Police officers have emotions. Police officers feel it when a colleague dies. They die protecting the people.”

Disu also applauded the collaboration among the various security agencies involved in the operation, stressing that the fight against insecurity required a united approach rather than competition among agencies.

“We have made up our minds to work together, train together and fight this insecurity together.”

He urged Nigerians to support security agencies by volunteering credible information that could help prevent crime and save lives.

“We beg members of the public, if you see something, say something. Cooperate with the security agencies. Everybody must come together. Give us information and help us stop crime before it happens, because the life you save may be your own.”

Speaking on behalf of the police team, Superintendent of Police Abdulrahman Mohammed said the officers approached the rescue mission with determination because they regarded the abducted children as members of their own families.

“We didn’t look at them as victims. We looked at them as our own children. Every decision we made was guided by the need to bring those children back safely.

“This is what we are trained to do. We are happy we carried out the assignment successfully, and we will return to our various commands to continue serving the country.”

Gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, abducting 49 pupils, teachers and a toddler, while a teacher was later killed in captivity.

Following weeks of intelligence gathering, security personnel drawn from the Nigerian Army, Police, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services and other agencies launched a coordinated operation that rescued 44 victims on July 10.

The operation, however, claimed the life of Sergeant John Abena, who was among the security personnel involved in the mission.