IGP Honours Officer Killed During Oyo School Children Rescue Mission, Preaches Inter-agency Cooperation

By Ayodele Oni

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu has described inter-agency collaboration as essential in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

Speaking on Friday while receiving police personnel who participated in the joint security operation that secured the release of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State, the IGP described the late Sergeant John Abena, who died during the operation, as a testament to the commitment and courage displayed by security operatives in protecting lives.

Disu, who disclosed that the Force had honoured late Sergeant Abena, also said prayers have just  been concluded in honour of the fallen officer, whom he said died while serving the nation.

“We just finished prayer for the officer we lost in the Oyo State school abduction incident,” he told the operatives.

He recalled meeting the officers before the assignment, when they were informed that they would be participating in a critical national security operation alongside other agencies.

“I’m happy you guys went and you did us proud. I got information from the commander of the operation about the role you played. I cannot thank you enough for your national service.”

The police chief also revealed that officers who sustained injuries during the operation were responding well to treatment, assuring them that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to provide the necessary medical care and welfare support.

According to him, both public and private hospitals have been engaged to ensure the injured personnel receive quality treatment, while support will also be extended to the family of the deceased officer.

Disu defended the Force’s decision to publicly announce the deaths of officers killed in active service, saying those who make the ultimate sacrifice deserve to be recognised and honoured.

“Police officers first and foremost are human beings. Police officers have emotions. Police officers feel it when a colleague dies.”

He noted that officers who lose their lives while protecting citizens should never be forgotten.

The IGP further commended the level of cooperation among the military, police and other security agencies throughout the rescue mission, describing inter-agency collaboration as essential in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

“We have made up our minds to work together, train together and fight this insurgency together,” he stated.

He also appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence capable of preventing criminal activities.

“We beg you. We plead to members of the public. If you see something, say something.

“Cooperate with the security agencies. The situation we have now is such that everybody must come together. Give us information. Assist us to nip it in the bud because the life you save may be your own,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the police team involved in the operation, Superintendent of Police Abdulrahman Mohammed said the officers approached the mission with the determination to rescue the abducted victims safely.

He explained that the operatives treated the children as though they were members of their own families, which strengthened their resolve throughout the rescue effort.

“We didn’t look at them as victims. We looked at them as our own children. Every step we took was for the children.

“This is what we are trained for. We are returning to our various formations to continue serving the country. We are happy we successfully carried out the assignment entrusted to us,” he said.

The rescue operation followed the abduction of 49 pupils, teachers and a toddler after armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. One teacher was later killed while in captivity.

After weeks of intelligence-driven operations involving the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, 44 victims were rescued on July 10, 2026.

The mission, however, came at a heavy cost, with several security personnel, including Sergeant John Abena, losing their lives in the line of duty.