Army Reveals How Oyo Abducted Pupils, Teachers Were Rescued

The Nigerian Army has revealed that an extensive intelligence-driven operation carried out over more than one month by multiple security agencies culminated in the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to Ireporter Online, the victims, who spent 56 days in captivity after being kidnapped on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on Friday following sustained military pressure on the suspected Ansaru terrorist network responsible for the abduction.

The military disclosed that the operation was designed to dismantle the terrorist group’s command structure by targeting its leaders, logistics networks, informants and operational hideouts, particularly within the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other strategic locations across the country.

Providing details of the mission, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, explained that troops under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, coordinated the operation alongside personnel from several security and intelligence agencies.

The joint operation involved special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.

Military authorities stated that the carefully coordinated intelligence mission focused on identifying those who masterminded the kidnapping, dismantling their operational network and cutting off their supply and communication channels. Investigations also led security operatives to several terrorist hideouts believed to be located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.

The Army further disclosed that multiple suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids conducted in Oyo State and other parts of the country. According to the military, the arrests significantly disrupted the activities of the terrorist group, weakened its operational capacity and mounted sustained pressure that eventually compelled the kidnappers to release the victims without conditions.

While the rescue mission was carefully planned to ensure the safe recovery of the abducted pupils and teachers without causing harm to civilians, the Army confirmed that some members of the security forces lost their lives during the operation.

Following their rescue, the victims were moved to an undisclosed medical facility for comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment. The Army said they would be handed over to the Oyo State Government after receiving the necessary medical care before reuniting with their families.

On behalf of all agencies involved, Major General Nnebeife expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic direction and support throughout the operation. He also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, 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, as well as leaders of other participating security agencies for their contributions.

The Army equally appreciated media organisations and members of the public for their cooperation during the operation and urged Nigerians to continue providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies. It added that follow-up operations are already underway to apprehend fleeing members of the terrorist network and prevent similar attacks in the future.