Army unveils details of operation that rescued 44 abducted Oyo pupils, teachers (Video)

The Nigerian Army has disclosed details of the intelligence-driven operation that led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the mission as a carefully coordinated effort involving multiple security agencies and local security outfits.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the victims regained their freedom on July 10, following a month-long operation aimed at dismantling the terrorist network responsible for their abduction.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, before security forces launched an extensive rescue mission led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Charles Ray Nnebeife.

According to the Army, the operation was conducted in collaboration with special units under the Office of the National Security Adviser, including 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 (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and members of the Amotekun Corps.

The military said the operation focused not only on securing the release of the hostages but also on identifying and dismantling the criminal network behind the kidnapping.

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“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist 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 statement said.

The Army disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation, significantly weakening the group’s operational capacity.

According to the statement, the arrests disrupted the syndicate’s logistics and command structure, placing sustained pressure on the kidnappers and ultimately forcing them to release the captives unconditionally.

The military added that follow-up operations would continue to apprehend other members of the criminal network.

The Army said commanders adopted a cautious operational strategy to ensure the safety of the abducted pupils and teachers throughout the rescue mission.

“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and to ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement noted, without providing further details.

The rescued victims are currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

The Army also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what it described as strategic guidance, operational support and the provision of resources that contributed to the success of the mission.

It further commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, residents of the state and local security volunteers for their cooperation throughout the operation.

The statement also acknowledged the contributions of 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, and heads of other security agencies for ensuring effective coordination among all participating forces.

The Army urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.