The Nigerian Army has announced the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following a month-long, intelligence-led joint security operation.
The victims, who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, were rescued on July 10 during what the military described as a carefully planned and coordinated operation carried out in the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with multiple security agencies.
The statement said the operation involved special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from 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 members of the Amotekun Corps.
According to the Army, the operation focused on identifying and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction, including its logistics chain, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest.
“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists’ 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,” the statement read.
It added that security operatives made multiple arrests in Oyo State and several other states, a development that disrupted the operations of the terrorist group and forced it to unconditionally 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,” the Army said.
The military noted that the rescue mission was carefully executed to avoid collateral damage and ensure the safe recovery of the abducted pupils and teachers.
However, it disclosed that there were casualties among the security personnel involved in the operation, although it did not provide 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 reunification with their families.
The Army expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing the strategic guidance and support that made the operation successful.
It also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his support to security agencies throughout the rescue mission.
The GOC 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 seamless coordination during the operation.
The Army also thanked the media and Nigerians for their patience and support throughout the rescue efforts, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance the protection of lives and property across the country.
