Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
THE Nigerian Army has explained how troops rescued the 44 pupils and teachers who were kidnapped from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.
Stonix News reports that the victims spent 56 days in captivity before being freed on 10 July following what the military described as an “intelligence-led, carefully planned and executed” operation.
The operation, which lasted more than a month, was led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General CR Nnebeife.
It involved a joint inter-agency task force comprising special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police, 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.
The rescue effort focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins who masterminded the abduction and dismantling their networks, logistics links and informants within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.
“Multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states in the country,” the Army said in a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
“These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement added.
The military said the operation was meticulously planned to ensure the safe recovery of the victims while avoiding collateral damage. However, it confirmed that some security personnel lost their lives during the rescue mission.
The freed captives are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course to be reunited with their families.
Major General Nnebeife expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as strategic guidance and support, and thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of the state for their support throughout the ordeal.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and heads of other security agencies for ensuring effective coordination.
The Army urged the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to assist in safeguarding lives and property across Nigeria.
Further operations are planned to apprehend remaining members of the criminal network.
As of press time, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have yet to make public security officers and personnel who fell during the lethal rescue mission.
