The Nigerian Army has disclosed that the operation which secured the release of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State was meticulously planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and ensure the safe recovery of the victims.
The victims, who were kidnapped by suspected terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom following an intelligence-led joint security operation that lasted more than a month and involved multiple security and intelligence agencies.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Ibadan, Major General Chibueze Nnebeife, worked closely with operatives from the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun personnel to secure the victims’ release.
According to the statement, the operation focused on identifying and dismantling the network responsible for the abduction, including key kingpins, informants, logistics suppliers and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations linked to the criminal syndicate.
The Army said several arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation, a development that disrupted the group’s activities and placed sustained pressure on its members.
The pressure, it noted, eventually compelled the kidnappers to release the victims unconditionally.
“The operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued,” the statement said, while acknowledging that some security personnel suffered casualties during the mission.
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 Army commended President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic direction and support that contributed to the success of the operation.
It also expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, heads of intelligence agencies and other security stakeholders for their collaboration and support.
The military further thanked residents of Oyo State and members of the public for their cooperation and confidence in the country’s security architecture, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism and other criminal activities.
