How We Rescued Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers— Nigerian Army Confirms Multiple Arrests
The Nigerian Army has revealed that the successful rescue of 44 abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State followed more than a month of coordinated intelligence-driven operations that led to multiple arrests and the dismantling of the kidnappers' network.
The Army said the victims, who were kidnapped by terrorists on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on July 10 after sustained pressure mounted by a joint security task force operating across Oyo State and other parts of 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 CR Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through 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, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.
According to the statement, the operation focused on identifying the kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their logistics network, exposing informants and locating their 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 Army said.
It disclosed that several suspects were arrested both in Oyo State and in other states, a development that crippled the criminal network and forced the terrorists to free the captives without conditions.
“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. Further operations are to be conducted,” the statement added.
The Army stressed that the mission was carefully planned to ensure the safety of the hostages and avoid collateral damage, although it acknowledged that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation.
“It suffices to note that 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,” it stated.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital and will later be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The GOC commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the strategic direction and support that contributed to the success of the operation.
He also expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their continued support for security agencies throughout the rescue mission.
Nnebeife further thanked 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 security agencies for ensuring effective inter-agency coordination.
The Army also acknowledged the support of the media and Nigerians, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen ongoing efforts to protect lives and property across the country.