The Nigerian Army has revealed that the rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State was the result of a month-long intelligence-driven operation involving multiple security agencies and local vigilante groups.
The victims, who were kidnapped by terrorists on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on July 10 after what the Army described as a carefully coordinated mission designed to dismantle the kidnappers’ network while ensuring the safe rescue of the hostages.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.
The Army said, “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.”
According to the statement, multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country as part of the operation.
“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 stated, adding that further operations would be conducted to apprehend other members of the criminal network.
The Army explained that the rescue mission was carefully planned to avoid collateral damage and ensure the safe recovery of the children and their teachers.
“The operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement added.
The Army disclosed that 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, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his strategic guidance, support and the provision of resources that contributed to the success of the operation.
He also thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, 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 other security agencies for their cooperation and seamless coordination throughout the mission.
The Army further appreciated the media and Nigerians for their support and urged citizens to remain vigilant by providing timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen ongoing efforts to protect lives and property across the country.
