The Nigerian Army has revealed how an intelligence-led, intensive and carefully coordinated security operation lasting more than a month forced terrorists to unconditionally release 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims, who were kidnapped by terrorists on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on July 10 following what the Army described as surgical operations conducted within the Old Oyo National Park and other parts of the country.
According to a statement issued on July 10, 2026, by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General CR Nnebeife.
The operation involved special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, specifically the National Counter Terrorism Centre, as well as the Defence Headquarters, with Special Forces elements drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and Nigeria Police Force.
Also involved were the Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, other security agencies, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, otherwise known as Amotekun.
The Army said the carefully planned and executed intelligence-led operation resulted in the rescue of a total of 44 pupils and teachers.
According to the statement, the operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins who masterminded the kidnapping, breaking up and dismantling their networks and logistical links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park forest in Oyo State.
As part of the operation, security agencies made multiple arrests within Oyo State and at other locations across several states in the country.
The Army said the arrests completely disorganised the terrorist group and placed overwhelming pressure on its members, ultimately forcing them to unconditionally release the abducted pupils and teachers.
It added that further security operations would be conducted.
The 2 Division explained that the operations were meticulously planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued.
However, the Army disclosed that security forces recorded some casualties during the operations, although no further details were provided.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will, in due course, be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
On behalf of all the participating agencies, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division expressed sincere appreciation to President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his strategic guidance, support and provisions that contributed to the success of the operations.
The GOC also thanked the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the people of the state for their continuous support for security agencies, particularly during the difficult period.
He further expressed appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; the Chief of Defence Staff; the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs; the Inspector-General of Police; the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA; as well as the heads of other security agencies for their support.
According to the statement, their cooperation provided the opportunity for direct engagement among the various security agencies, ensuring seamless coordination and execution of the operations.
The Army also thanked the various media organisations and the entire Nigerian populace for their support, understanding and continued faith in the country’s security architecture.
It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across the country.
