BREAKING: HOW NIGERIAN SECURITY FORCES RESCUED ABDUCTED OYO PUPILS AND TEACHERS AFTER MONTH-LONG SPECIAL OPERATION

HOW NIGERIAN SECURITY FORCES RESCUED ABDUCTED OYO PUPILS AND TEACHERS AFTER MONTH-LONG SPECIAL OPERATION

Following the release of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, the Nigerian Army has provided a detailed account of the intelligence-driven operation that led to their rescue after more than a month of coordinated security efforts.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the victims were rescued on July 10, 2026, through a carefully planned joint operation led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife.

The operation involved personnel from the Nigerian Army, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.

The Army disclosed that the mission successfully secured the freedom of all 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.

Military authorities revealed that the operation, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the suspected masterminds behind the abduction, dismantling their network, disrupting their logistics chain, and locating their hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.

The statement added that multiple suspects were arrested in Oyo State and several other parts of the country during the operation. These arrests reportedly weakened the group's operational capacity and mounted significant pressure on the kidnappers, ultimately leading to the unconditional release of the hostages. The Army noted that follow-up operations are still ongoing.

According to the military, the operation was deliberately executed with extreme caution to prevent civilian casualties and ensure the safe rescue of the children and their teachers. However, it confirmed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the mission, without providing further details.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

The GOC, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance, support and the resources provided, which he said contributed significantly to the success of the operation.

He also thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their continued cooperation with security agencies throughout the rescue efforts.

The military further 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; and heads of other security agencies for ensuring effective inter-agency coordination.

The statement also appreciated media organisations and Nigerians for their patience, understanding and confidence in the country's security architecture, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.