A total of 44 pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued following an intensive month-long joint security operation that dismantled the kidnappers’ network in the Old Oyo National Park and other parts of the country.
The victims, who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom after coordinated intelligence-driven operations involving the Nigerian Army, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the 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 personnel.
The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, security forces spent more than a month tracking the terrorist kingpins responsible for the abduction, identifying and dismantling their logistics network, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest.
The Army disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation, a development that disrupted the criminal network and mounted sustained pressure on the terrorists.
“The arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement said, adding that follow-up operations would continue to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The military explained that the operation was carefully planned and executed to ensure the safe rescue of the hostages while avoiding collateral damage. It, however, confirmed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation.
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.
Major General Nnebeife expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the strategic direction, support and resources that contributed to the success of the mission.
He also thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their cooperation with security agencies throughout the rescue efforts.
The GOC further 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 seamless coordination during the operation.
He equally commended media organisations and Nigerians for their patience, support and confidence in the country’s security architecture, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities.
