The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has paid tribute to a police officer killed during the operation that led to the rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, while commending security personnel for the success of the mission.
Speaking on Friday while receiving officers who participated in the operation, the police chief described the rescue as a demonstration of courage, professionalism and inter-agency collaboration.
He disclosed that Sgt. John Abena lost his life while taking part in the joint operation involving multiple security agencies.
“We have just concluded prayers for the officer we lost during the Oyo school abduction operation. Some weeks ago, I assembled you and informed you that you would be embarking on a critical national assignment alongside other security agencies. I am proud of what you accomplished and grateful for your service to the nation,” he said.
The IGP also revealed that officers who sustained injuries during the operation were responding positively to treatment, assuring them of the force’s continued support
“We are happy that those who were injured are recovering well. We have ensured they receive the best medical attention, and we will continue to support them and the family of our fallen colleague,” he stated.
He explained that the police publicly acknowledge officers who die in the line of duty because they deserve to be honoured for sacrificing their lives in service to the country.
“Police officers are human beings. They have emotions, and they feel the loss of their colleagues. Those who die in the line of duty paid the ultimate price while protecting others,” he added.
The police boss stressed that effective security depends on cooperation among all security agencies, noting that no single organisation could tackle insecurity alone.
“We have resolved to work together, train together and confront insecurity as one team. That collaboration is yielding results,” he said.
He also appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
“If you see something, say something. Security is everyone’s responsibility. The information you provide today could save lives, including your own,” the IGP urged.
One of the officers involved in the rescue mission, Superintendent of Police Abdulrahman Mohammed, said the team approached the assignment with determination because they regarded the abducted children as members of their own families.
“We never saw them as strangers. We saw them as our own children, and every decision we made was guided by the need to bring them home safely. This is what we are trained to do, and we are grateful the operation ended successfully,” he said.
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-driven operations involving the Nigerian Army, Police, Air Force, Navy, the Department of State Services and other security agencies, 44 victims were rescued on July 10, 2026. The operation, however, claimed the lives of some security personnel, including Sgt. Abena.
