The Nigerian Army has disclosed details of the operation that led to the rescue of the 44 abducted Oyo pupils and teachers who were kidnapped by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity following an intelligence-led operation involving the military, other security agencies, local vigilantes, hunters and the Amotekun Corps.
According to the Army, the mission lasted for more than a month and focused on dismantling the criminal network responsible for the abduction.
Intelligence operation dismantled kidnappers’ network
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the military said troops under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, coordinated the rescue operation alongside special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The operation also involved personnel from the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
According to the statement, the security agencies concentrated on identifying the terrorist leaders behind the abduction while disrupting their logistics network, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other locations.
The Army stated:
“Following an intelligence-led, carefully planned and executed operation on 10 July 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, specifically the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy, the Air Force and the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun, rescued a total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.”
The Army further explained that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation.
It added:
“These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted.”
Military authorities also noted that the rescue mission was carefully executed to prevent harm to the captives, although some members of the security forces suffered casualties during the operation.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.
Tinubu confirms rescue as questions remain over victim count
President Bola Tinubu also confirmed that all the kidnapped children and teachers had regained their freedom alive.
According to the President, no ransom was paid and no concession was granted to the kidnappers throughout the rescue process.
He directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical treatment and other necessary support for the victims.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga also announced that eight suspected kidnappers had been arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several other members of the criminal gang were neutralised during the operation.
He said the government rejected the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a Boko Haram commander standing trial for terrorism.
The Army expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for providing strategic leadership throughout the operation.
It also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as other security agencies for their collaboration.
The military further thanked media organisations and members of the public for supporting security operations and encouraged Nigerians to continue providing credible information that could assist ongoing efforts against criminal groups.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 after gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
Earlier official reports stated that 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted during the attack.
The assistant headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, was killed while trying to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded during captivity.
Also Read: “A Long-Awaited Homecoming” as Kidnapped Oyo Pupils and Teachers Regain Freedom After Weeks in Captivity
Although the Army announced the rescue of 44 victims, earlier government records indicated that 46 people were originally kidnapped. It remains unclear whether the military’s figure excluded the two teachers who lost their lives.
The successful rescue sparked celebrations across Ogbomoso and surrounding communities, while opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, Allied Peoples Movement and African Action Congress presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, welcomed the development and urged the Federal Government to strengthen security measures to prevent similar attacks in the future.
