THE Nigerian Army has detailed how the 44 pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State were rescued following a month-long, intelligence-driven security operation involving multiple security agencies and local vigilante groups.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, and were freed on July 10 after what military authorities described as a carefully planned and coordinated operation by troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the acting Deputy Director, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, the operation involved personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local hunters, vigilantes and Amotekun operatives.
Danjuma said the operation focused on identifying and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction.
He added that security forces targeted the group’s leadership, logistics structures, informants and hideouts, particularly within the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other locations linked to the criminal network.
As a result of the operation, several suspects were arrested during coordinated raids conducted in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
The arrests reportedly disrupted the group’s operations, weakened its support network and placed significant pressure on the kidnappers, ultimately leading to the unconditional release of the victims.
Military sources disclosed that the operation was meticulously executed to avoid collateral damage and ensure the safe recovery of the children and their teachers. However, some security personnel sustained casualties during the course of the operation.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed medical facility and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families after undergoing necessary evaluations.
Major General Nnebeife, on behalf of all participating agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his strategic guidance, support and provision of resources that contributed to the success of the operation.
The GOC also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their continued support for security agencies throughout the rescue effort.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; the Chief of Defence Staff; the Chief of Army Staff; other Service Chiefs; the Inspector General of Police; the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA; and heads of other security agencies for their collaboration and commitment to ensuring seamless coordination during the operation.
The military also thanked media organizations and Nigerians for their patience, understanding and confidence in the nation’s security architecture, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to protect lives and property across the country.
The Army noted that follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend remaining members of the criminal network and prevent future attacks.
