A coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian military, intelligence agencies and other security outfits has secured the release of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State nearly two months ago.
The victims, who were kidnapped by suspected terrorists on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on Friday, July 10, following what the military described as an intelligence-driven operation targeting terrorist hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Chibueze Raphael Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and members of the Amotekun Corps.
According to the military, the operation lasted for more than a month and focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their operational networks, disrupting their logistics and exposing informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest.
The Nigerian Army disclosed that several suspects were arrested during coordinated raids in Oyo State and other parts of the country, a development that significantly weakened the group and forced the kidnappers to unconditionally release the hostages.
The military added that further operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network.
It noted that the rescue mission was carefully planned and executed to ensure the safe recovery of the children and their teachers while minimising collateral damage.
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The military also confirmed that security forces recorded some casualties during the operation, although no further details were provided.
The military stated that the rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families after completing medical evaluations.
Commending the joint efforts, the GOC thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic guidance, support and resources that contributed to the success of the operation.
He also expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his support throughout the rescue effort, as well as 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, and the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA for their collaboration and seamless coordination.
The military further thanked the media and Nigerians for their patience and confidence in the country’s security architecture, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to protect lives and property across the country.
