After spending nearly two months in captivity, the 44 pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom following an intensive month-long joint security operation led by the Nigerian Army.
The victims, who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, were rescued on Friday, July 10, after what the military described as a carefully planned, intelligence-led and well-coordinated operation involving troops of the Nigerian Army, the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, NCTC, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, DSS, National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, local vigilantes, hunters and the Amotekun Corps.
The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife.
Announcing the successful rescue in a statement on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the operation focused on tracking down the terrorist kingpins responsible for the abduction, dismantling their networks, logistics chain, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest and other parts of the country.
According to him, the coordinated offensive lasted for more than one month, during which security operatives carried out extensive intelligence gathering and multiple raids that led to the arrest of several suspects in Oyo State and other states across the country.
He said the arrests crippled the activities of the terrorist group, disrupted its operational structure and mounted sustained pressure on its members, forcing them to release the kidnapped pupils and teachers unconditionally.
The Army said further operations would continue to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal syndicate and dismantle every remaining cell linked to the group.
The military explained that the rescue operation was deliberately executed with utmost caution to avoid collateral damage and ensure the safe recovery of all the children and their teachers.
It, however, disclosed that some security personnel recorded casualties during the operation but did not provide further details.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunion with their families.
Commending all participating security agencies, Major General Nnebeife expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for providing the strategic direction, support and resources that made the operation successful.
The GOC also thanked Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the people of the state for their continuous cooperation and support to security agencies throughout the operation.
He equally 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, as well as heads of other security agencies for ensuring seamless inter-agency collaboration throughout the mission.
The military further commended members of the media and Nigerians for their patience, understanding and confidence in the country’s security architecture, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across the nation.
