The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has successfully rescued the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after a month-long intelligence-driven operation.
The victims, who were kidnapped on Friday, May 15, 2026, regained their freedom unconditionally on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Ibadan, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, disclosed that the operation was carefully planned and coordinated under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife.
According to the statement, the rescue mission involved operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), alongside Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian 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.
The GOC explained that the operation focused on the Old Oyo National Park forest and other identified locations linked to the kidnappers. He said the coordinated offensive targeted the criminal network’s kingpins, logistics channels, informants and hideouts.
The operation, he added, resulted in several arrests within Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the group’s operations and piling sustained pressure on the kidnappers, which ultimately forced them to release the victims without conditions.
“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,” the statement read.
The Army noted that the operation was executed with utmost caution to prevent collateral damage and ensure the safe rescue of the children and their teachers, although some security personnel sustained casualties during the exercise.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunion with their families.
Major General Nnebeife, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic support throughout the operation.
He also commended Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, 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, and the leadership of the DSS and NIA for their collaboration and support.
The GOC further urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen efforts at protecting lives and property across the country.
