ABUJA — A total of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, have been rescued following a coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian military, intelligence agencies and other security organisations.
The Nigerian Army said the victims were freed on Friday after more than a month of intelligence-led operations targeting the terrorist group responsible for the abduction.
According to a statement issued 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 the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters, 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 the Amotekun Corps.
The Army said the operation focused on identifying and dismantling the network of the kidnappers, including their kingpins, informants, logistics chain and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest and other locations.
It disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation, adding that the sustained pressure mounted on the group forced the terrorists to release the abducted pupils and teachers unconditionally.
The statement noted that additional operations would continue to apprehend other members of the criminal network.
The Army said the rescue mission was carefully planned to ensure the safety of the victims and avoid collateral damage, although some members of the security forces sustained casualties during the operation.
It added that the rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The GOC commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic guidance and support that contributed to the success of the operation.
He also expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his continued support to security agencies, as well as the National Security Adviser, 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 other security agencies for their cooperation.
The Army further thanked the media and Nigerians for their support and confidence in the country’s security architecture, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance efforts at protecting lives and property.
