The military high command has shared an account of how the 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026 were finally rescued by security forces and others.
This was contained in a statement made available to defense correspondents in Abuja in the early hours of Saturday by the acting deputy director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
The statement explained that the intelligence-led operations were carefully planned and executed on 10 July 2026 by troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General CR Nnebeife.
According to it, “This was in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), specifically the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC); the Defense Headquarters with special forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Nigeria Police; the Department of State Services (DSS); National Intelligence Agency (NIA); the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); and other security agencies as well as local vigilantes/hunters/Amotekuns.
It explained that “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.
It further added that “as part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some States in the Country, which completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” adding that “further operations are to be conducted.”
The statement pointed out “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” but regretted that “there were some casualties on the part of the security forces.”
Continuing, the statement noted that “the pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course so as to be reunited with their families.”
The statement further added that the GOC 2 Division, on behalf of all the participating agencies, most sincerely and respectfully thanks and appreciates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the strategic guidance, support, and all the provisions that made the operations a huge success.
The GOC also commended the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and the good people of the state for their continuous support to security agencies, especially during the trying period.
The GOC also appreciated the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defense; 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, as well as the Heads of other security agencies, for their support and for the opportunity to relate directly with all the security agencies to ensure a seamless coordination and execution of the operations.
The military also appreciated the various media houses and, indeed, the entire Nigerian populace for their support and understanding and for having faith in the security architecture of the nation, urging all to remain vigilant and continue to support all security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in the ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties across Nigeria.
