Maroof Asudemade

The three abductions in focus are Chibok girls, Dapchi girls and Oriire abduction. The three abductions happened under three different administrations. The difference between the prolonged captivity of many of the Chibok girls and Leah Sharibu, who remains in captivity from the Dapchi abduction, and the rescue of the Oriire pupils and teachers after 56 days lies in the speed, coordination, and intensity of the government’s response.

The Chibok schoolgirls were abducted in April 2014 during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. The initial confusion and official denials over the scale of the abduction attracted widespread criticism and delayed a coordinated national and international response. Although more than 100 of the girls have since been rescued or released, many are still unaccounted for more than a decade later.

The Dapchi schoolgirls were abducted in February 2018 during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. Most of the girls were returned about a month later, but Leah Sharibu has remained in captivity because she reportedly refused to renounce her Christian faith.

In contrast, following the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026, President Bola Tinubu immediately directed a sustained military, police, and intelligence-led operation. Security agencies maintained pressure on the kidnappers, leading to the successful rescue of all the victims after 56 days. During the operation, eight suspects were arrested, several kidnappers were neutralised, and no rescued pupil or teacher lost his or her life in the rescue. Sadly, the principal, Mr. Oladimeji, had earlier been murdered by the abductors during the period of captivity.

While every kidnapping has its own operational challenges, the Oriire rescue demonstrates the value of prompt presidential attention, coordinated security operations, intelligence gathering, and sustained political commitment in achieving a successful outcome.