Nigeria’s Senate has cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in the state, warning that such statements could undermine the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government and security agencies in combating terrorism and kidnapping.

The warning came just days after security forces successfully released 45 students and instructors who had been held captive for 56 days during a major abduction that startled the nation and rekindled fears about ongoing attacks on schools in regions of Nigeria.

While Governor Makinde has argued that an independent international investigation would help establish accountability and provide Nigerians with a complete understanding of how the attack occurred, federal lawmakers insist the focus should remain on supporting security agencies that risked their lives to secure the victims’ release.

The controversy follows the dramatic rescue of 39 pupils and six teachers who were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro Esienle communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims remained in captivity for nearly two months before security forces launched an operation that led to their release on July 10.

The operation was widely welcomed across Nigeria, not only because it reunited dozens of families with their loved ones but also because it resulted in the arrest of eight suspected terrorists, while several other members of the criminal group were reportedly killed during the mission.

Governor Makinde argued that Nigerians should be given a thorough account of the events leading up to the incident and the protracted detention of the students and instructors.

The Governor insisted that rather than undermining trust in Nigerian institutions or security agencies, his request for a UN-led probe was meant to better future responses to similar situations and strengthen accountability.

However, his comments sparked conflicting responses in political circles. While some backed calls for increased transparency, others contended that an international investigation may give the wrong impression about Nigeria’s capacity to handle its own security issues.

When senators convened on Tuesday, a large portion of the discussion focused on praising the security officials who took part in the rescue operation while warning against remarks made in public that they believe could erode trust in ongoing counterterrorism initiatives.

Additionally, lawmakers commended President Bola Tinubu for ordering security agencies to use every resource at their disposal to obtain the unconditional release of the abducted students and instructors. They described the operation’s success as proof that Nigeria’s security institutions are becoming more cooperative.

According to the Senate, the rescue demonstrated growing professionalism, operational efficiency and stronger inter-agency collaboration in confronting increasingly sophisticated criminal groups operating across the country.

The lawmakers nevertheless acknowledged that the broader security challenge remains significant, with kidnappings, banditry and terrorist attacks continuing to threaten communities in several parts of Nigeria despite intensified military operations.

Senate Backs Security Agencies, Calls for Tougher Action on Crime

Moreover, former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, openly cautioned Governor Makinde over his appeal for a United Nations investigation into the school abduction.

His position received support from Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, as lawmakers argued that public officials should avoid statements capable of undermining confidence in the country’s security institutions while complex counter-terrorism operations remain underway.

The Senate subsequently adopted a resolution urging the Oyo State governor to refrain from comments that could weaken public trust in the Federal Government’s efforts to address insecurity.

While expressing confidence in the rescue operation, lawmakers emphasised that the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and organised criminal violence remains far from over.

The Red Chamber therefore called on the Federal Government to sustain and intensify military and intelligence operations targeting terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other armed groups by providing security agencies with additional resources and modern capabilities.

Among the measures proposed were increased investment in advanced surveillance technologies, improved intelligence gathering systems, enhanced logistics, better operational equipment and expanded welfare packages for military personnel, police officers and intelligence operatives serving on the front lines.

Lawmakers argued that strengthening security institutions remains essential to preventing future attacks on schools and vulnerable communities, particularly as criminal groups continue to adapt their tactics across different regions of the country.

The Senate also appealed to security agencies to maintain pressure on armed groups responsible for holding other Nigerians captive, urging authorities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of all remaining kidnapping victims