Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have rescued 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after a month-long intelligence-driven operation.
The victims were kidnapped on 15 May 2026, and were freed on July 10 following a coordinated operation led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operation involved personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.
The Army said the carefully planned operation focused on identifying and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction, including its logistics chain, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park forest.
It disclosed that multiple suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation, a development that disrupted the group’s activities and mounted overwhelming pressure on the terrorists, forcing them to unconditionally release the abducted pupils and teachers.
The military added that follow-up operations would continue to apprehend other members of the criminal network.
According to the statement, the operation was meticulously executed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims while avoiding collateral damage.
It, however, confirmed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation, without providing further details.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The GOC commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic guidance, support and resources that contributed to the success of the operation.
He also appreciated Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their sustained cooperation with security agencies throughout the operation.
Major General Nnebeife further acknowledged the support 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 participating security agencies for ensuring effective coordination.
The Army also expressed gratitude to media organisations and Nigerians for their patience, understanding and confidence in the country’s security architecture.
It urged members of the public 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.
