The Presidency has faulted Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for a United Nations-backed investigation into the abduction and rescue of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, insisting that Nigeria’s security agencies have already provided a comprehensive account of the operation and that there is no basis for an international inquiry.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described the governor’s demand as unnecessary and politically driven, maintaining that the Federal Government has absolute confidence in the country’s security institutions and their handling of the rescue mission.
The controversy follows Makinde’s appeal to the United Nations and other international accountability bodies to independently investigate the circumstances surrounding the May 15 abduction and the eventual rescue of 39 pupils and six teachers after spending 56 days in captivity.
FG expresses confidence in security agencies
Responding to the governor’s remarks, Onanuga said the Federal Government had nothing to hide and remained transparent about every stage of the rescue operation.
He stated that while the government would not prevent any international organisation from seeking information, there was no justification for an external investigation because the Nigerian military had already explained how the operation was carried out.
“Our doors are open. Let the UN come if he thinks there is more to it than what our military has explained,” Onanuga said.
He added that the rescue operation was carefully planned and executed after weeks of intelligence gathering and coordination among security agencies to ensure that the victims were rescued without unnecessary loss of lives.
Questions over prolonged captivity
The presidential spokesman dismissed insinuations that security agencies deliberately allowed the victims to remain in captivity, describing such claims as unfair and insensitive to the sacrifices made by security personnel.
He noted that many of the rescued children were between four and six years old and endured significant physical and emotional trauma during the period they were held by their abductors.
“Look at those kids. Some of them are just about four or six years old. Will anyone want to deliberately subject them to the trauma they went through for 56 days?” he asked.
According to him, hostage rescue operations are often complex and require patience, strategic planning and credible intelligence to ensure the safety of those held captive.
Security personnel honoured
Onanuga also acknowledged the sacrifices made by members of the Nigerian military and the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, during the rescue operation.
He said some security operatives lost their lives while working to secure the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers, describing their commitment as evidence of the government’s determination to protect citizens.
He argued that the successful rescue should strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s security agencies rather than generate doubts about their professionalism.
Presidency alleges political motive
The presidential aide accused Governor Makinde of politicising the incident, linking his position to his recently declared presidential ambition.
“It is just unfortunate that Mr Makinde, maybe because of politics, because he is a presidential candidate now, doesn’t have any trust in our own institutions and is now calling on an external body to come and investigate,” Onanuga said.
He further described the governor’s demand as “unwarranted” and “absolutely unnecessary,” insisting that it unfairly questioned the credibility of security agencies despite the successful rescue of the victims.
Makinde insists on independent scrutiny
Governor Makinde had earlier maintained that the circumstances surrounding the abduction and rescue warranted an independent investigation by the United Nations and other international accountability bodies.
According to the governor, such an inquiry would help establish the full facts surrounding the incident and reinforce public confidence in the handling of the case.
The Presidency, however, maintains that Nigeria’s institutions are fully capable of investigating the matter and insists the successful rescue operation demonstrates the competence, resilience and professionalism of the country’s military and other security agencies.