Security Chiefs: Nigeria Has Firepower + Intel to Wipe Out Terrorists, All Kidnapped Pupils Will Return Home

Nigeria’s security agencies say they have the muscle, intelligence network, and coordination to crush terrorist groups and bring back every abducted pupil and teacher in the country.

The assurance came during a special national security briefing in Abuja on Thursday, as fears rise over recent school attacks and mass kidnappings in Oyo and Borno States.

Brig.-Gen. Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, said military operations have already torn down terrorist bases, logistics hubs, and camps across the country. According to him, the pressure is forcing terrorists out of their old hideouts.

“We’ve gone to every nook and cranny where these terrorists are located and destroyed their bases,” Uba stated. “Anyone who takes up arms against Nigeria will be fished out and neutralised.”

Zakari Mijinyawa, Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser, stressed that rescuing hostages requires careful strategy, not rushed moves. He said the focus is saving lives, not showing force.

“The objective of security is to save lives. It’s to ensure victims return safe and sound to their families,” he said, dismissing claims that agencies lack capacity.

Force PRO DCP Anthony Okon Placid added that all security units are fully engaged, though some operational details remain classified for security reasons.

Minister of Information Mohammed Idris told journalists that rescuing every child and teacher in captivity remains the President’s top priority. He said intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, and joint search-and-rescue missions are ongoing.

The government says its approach combines military action, intelligence work, regional cooperation, and long-term reforms in policing. Officials also highlighted recent gains in the North-East, where hundreds of insurgents have been neutralised and civilians freed.

Security chiefs ended the briefing with a call for public support: “Terrorism thrives on fear and misinformation. Defeating it needs all Nigerians to share credible information.”

They vowed to sustain operations until all abductees are freed and terrorist networks are completely dismantled