The Nigerian Army has disclosed that the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State followed weeks of intelligence-driven operations involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed men invaded communities in Oriire Local Government Area, sparking widespread concern over insecurity in the state.
In a statement on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the operation culminated in the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers after sustained efforts to dismantle the kidnappers’ network.
According to him, the operation, led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, was conducted in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, DSS, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.
He said the operation lasted for more than one month, with security operatives focusing on identifying the masterminds of the abduction, dismantling their operational network and destroying their logistics chain and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
The spokesman disclosed that multiple suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country, adding that the coordinated arrests disrupted the kidnappers’ activities and mounted sustained pressure that eventually forced them to release the victims unconditionally.
He noted that the operation was carefully planned and executed to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers while avoiding collateral damage.
Danjuma, however, disclosed that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation.
He said the rescued victims are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and would subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The Army commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic direction and support for the operation, while also appreciating Governor Seyi Makinde for his collaboration with security agencies throughout the rescue mission.
The GOC also acknowledged the support 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, as well as other participating security agencies.
The Army appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen ongoing efforts at combating criminality and safeguarding lives and property across the country.
