Senate Moves to Fast-Track State Police as IGP Visits Oyo Over Mass Kidnappings

The Nigerian Senate has pledged to accelerate the establishment of state police following the abduction of dozens of students and teachers in Oyo and Borno states within 24 hours, describing the incidents as a direct threat to national security and the future of education.

The resolution came as the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, visited communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after a deadly terrorist attack and mass abduction that occurred on May 15.

During the visit, the police chief condemned the attack, describing it as cruel and unacceptable, while assuring residents that security agencies were intensifying coordinated rescue operations to secure the release of all abducted victims.

The IGP met with security stakeholders, including Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, and ordered the deployment of additional tactical and intelligence assets to strengthen ongoing operations across affected communities and adjoining forests.

Local security operatives, including the Amotekun Corps, confirmed that forests and neighbouring communities were being combed as part of the search-and-rescue mission. Hunters, vigilantes, and other security agencies have also joined the operation.

Also Read: Abducted Oyo School Principal Pleads for Rescue in Viral Video

Meanwhile, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the growing wave of kidnappings has reinforced the urgency of creating state police to complement Nigeria’s existing security structure.

According to him, the National Assembly would prioritize outstanding constitutional amendments relating to state policing once plenary resumes on June 2. He added that the constitutional review process was nearing completion before transmission to state Houses of Assembly for ratification.

Bamidele described the recurring attacks on schools as “a tragic national concern” that continues to worsen Nigeria’s education crisis and rising number of out-of-school children. He urged federal and state governments to fully implement the Safe School Initiative pending the establishment of state police.

The latest attacks reportedly involved the abduction of 45 students and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, while another 42 students were kidnapped during an attack on a school in Borno State.