Sanwo-Olu: We Won’t Bow to Terror, Nigeria Shall Overcome Security Challenges

*Police kill two kidnappers, rescue former power minister’s sister, two children

*NAF pledges commitment to safe rescue of abducted Oyo schoolchildren, teachers

*Yari calls for national unity, collective responsibility, renewed hope

Ejiofor Alike in Lagos, Linus Aleke in Abuja and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Expressing frustration over the rising insecurity in Nigeria, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu said at a press conference that the country would not bow to terror and would overcome its security challenges. The same day, police officers rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John‑Paul, 43, the younger sister of former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12‑year‑old twin sons, Peter and Paul, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reiterated the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to the safe rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. Meanwhile, former Zamfara State governor and Senator for Zamfara West, Alhaji Abdul‑Aziz Yari, called for national unity, collective responsibility and renewed hope in the fight against insecurity.

Sanwo‑Olu said Nigerians must stand united behind President Bola Tinubu and the armed forces, emphasizing that the forces of evil do not discriminate by political affiliation when they kill, maim and destroy. “We are Nigerians. Our will is strong, and our spirit is unbreakable,” he said. He added that every life lost is a tragedy and every community threatened by violence deserves solidarity, support and protection.

He urged Nigerians to pray for the teachers and students abducted from Orire Local Government Area in Oyo State. “In trying moments like this, Nigerians must never lose faith in our nation or in our collective ability to overcome adversity. We are Nigerians. The seed of greatness lies within every one of us,” Sanwo‑Olu added.

“Our country has faced many challenges throughout its history. We have confronted economic setbacks, political instability, social tensions, and security threats. Yet, through resilience, courage, and unity of purpose, we have always emerged stronger. This moment will be no different,” he said.

“The security challenge confronting our nation today is not insurmountable. The forces seeking to spread fear and instability do not represent the character of our people or the future of our country. Their actions are designed to weaken our resolve and diminish our confidence. We must deny them that victory because we are Nigerians,” he added.

The governor called on Nigerians across every state, region, faith and ethnic background to remain united, insisting that the moment was not one for division or despair but for reaffirming a common identity and shared commitment to peace, progress and national development.

He noted that the government alone cannot win this battle without the support, cooperation, vigilance and active intelligence sharing of local communities. “I wish to reiterate my confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and in the ability of our security and intelligence services to defeat the forces of evil unleashing terror attacks on soft targets within the civilian population in our land,” he said.

Police Kill Two Kidnappers, Rescue Former Power Minister’s Sister, Two Children

Police officers rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo John‑Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, and her 12‑year‑old twin sons, Peter and Paul, three days after they were kidnapped. John‑Paul and her children were abducted at about 7:30 a.m. last Wednesday while heading to the children’s school in Ibadan. THISDAY reported that the victims were rescued unhurt during a late‑night operation carried out around 7:30 p.m. yesterday.

Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised in a gun duel with police operatives, and two firearms were recovered from the gang. Police sources said sustained intelligence tracking and tactical pressure forced the kidnappers into a confrontation that led to the successful rescue of the victims. Confirming the release, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, said the Oyo State Commissioner of Police had called his boss to inform him of the rescue. “The Commissioner of Police just called to inform my boss that his sister alongside her twin sons have been rescued by the police,” he said.

NAF Pledges Commitment to Safe Rescue of Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers

During the Nigerian Air Force’s second‑quarter 2026 route march exercise in Abuja, Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Aneke reiterated the NAF’s commitment to the safe rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and their teachers in Oyo State. Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, the CAS said the NAF remained committed to supporting ongoing security operations across the country. He added that the service would continue to work in synergy with other security agencies to protect lives and property and advance national security objectives.

He said a healthy and physically fit workforce is better positioned to meet the demands of modern military operations and contribute meaningfully to national security efforts. The exercise also promoted teamwork, camaraderie, esprit de corps and overall wellness among personnel, strengthening the bond necessary for effective service delivery. Aneke expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continued support toward the development and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force and commended senior officers, officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff for their dedication and participation in the exercise.

Yari Calls for National Unity, Collective Responsibility, Renewed Hope

Former Zamfara State governor and Senator for Zamfara West, Alhaji Abdul‑Aziz Yari, called for national unity, collective responsibility and renewed hope in the fight against insecurity. In a statement he signed, Yari expressed deep sadness about the recent incidents of violence and insecurity that claimed innocent lives and brought pain, grief and uncertainty to many families and communities across the nation. “The pain of one Nigerian is the pain of all Nigerians. At moments such as this, we must remember that beyond our differences of ethnicity, religion, language or region, we remain one people bound together by a common destiny,” he said.

Speaking to the heart of the crisis, Yari condemned the acts of violence and criminality. “The enemies of our country seek to sow fear, create division and weaken the spirit of our people. Their objective is to make us distrust one another and lose faith in our nation. We must never allow them to succeed,” he said.

“Today, more than ever before, Nigerians must come together in unity and solidarity. Security is not merely the responsibility of government and security agencies; it is a shared national responsibility,” Yari added. He urged Nigerians to resist the temptation to blame one another or retreat into ethnic, religious or regional sentiments. “Terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements do not distinguish between tribe, faith or political affiliation. Their victims are Nigerians. Therefore, our response must also be Nigerian—united, collective and unwavering,” he said.

Yari called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community associations, youth groups, women leaders and civil society organisations to continue serving as bridges of peace and understanding. “Let us strengthen the values of neighbourliness, mutual trust and collective vigilance that have always defined our communities,” he said.

He commended President Tinubu and the leadership of the armed forces, intelligence agencies, police and other security institutions for their ongoing efforts and sacrifices. “This is not the time for despair. It is not the time for division. It is the time for unity, courage and collective resolve. The history of our great nation is a story of resilience. Time and again, Nigerians have demonstrated the capacity to rise above adversity and emerge stronger. I do not doubt that we shall do so again,” Yari said. “Let us stand shoulder to shoulder as brothers and sisters. Let us comfort those who mourn, support those who protect us, and work together to deny criminals and enemies of our nation the opportunity to divide us. With unity of purpose, faith in God and commitment to one another, we shall overcome these challenges. Nigeria will prevail. Peace will prevail. The spirit of our people will prevail. May Almighty Allah continue to bless, protect and guide the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”