The Nigerian Army has announced the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State after a month-long intelligence-driven operation that dismantled the terrorist network responsible for their captivity.
The victims, who were kidnapped from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on Friday, July 10, following what the military described as a carefully coordinated joint operation involving multiple security agencies.
In a statement issued on Friday, Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the rescue mission was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes.
According to Danjuma, the operation was intelligence-led and meticulously planned to ensure the safe rescue of the victims without exposing them to unnecessary danger.
“Following an intelligence-led carefully planned and executed operation, on 10 July 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), specifically the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun, in a well-coordinated operation rescued a total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026,” the statement read.
The Army disclosed that the operation lasted for more than one month and focused on identifying the masterminds behind the abduction, dismantling their operational network and cutting off their logistics and intelligence support.
“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State,” Danjuma stated.
He revealed that several suspects were arrested during coordinated raids conducted in Oyo State and other parts of the country, a development that crippled the criminal network and compelled the abductors to release the victims.
“As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states in the country. These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted,” he added.
The Army said the rescue mission was deliberately executed with caution to avoid collateral damage and ensure the victims were returned safely, although some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement said.
According to the Army, the rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
“The pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course so as to be reunited with their families,” Danjuma stated.
The GOC, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the strategic direction and support that made the operation successful.
“The GOC 2 Division wishes, on behalf of all the participating agencies, to most sincerely and respectfully thank His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the strategic guidance, support and for all the provisions that made the operations a huge success,” the statement added.
The Army also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his support throughout the operation.
“The GOC also wishes to once again thank the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and indeed the good people of the state for their continuous support to security agencies, especially during the trying period,” Danjuma said.
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 ensuring effective coordination throughout the rescue mission.
The Army also thanked Nigerians and the media for their patience and continued confidence in the nation’s security architecture.
“We sincerely thank the various media houses and indeed the entire Nigerian populace for their support, understanding and for having faith in the security architecture of the nation. We urge all to remain vigilant and continue to support all security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in the ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
