TD Ibadan, Nigeria – The Nigerian Army has announced the successful rescue of 44 kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oyo State, following a month-long, intelligence-led operation.
The operation spanned multiple states and involved a coalition of national security agencies, local vigilantes, and community support.
The Kidnapping and Rescue
On May 15, 2026, terrorists abducted dozens of students and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, sparking widespread fear and outrage across the country.
The victims were taken into the dense forests of Old Oyo National Park, where the kidnappers established hideouts and attempted to negotiate for the release of one of their detained kingpins.
According to the Nigerian Army, the rescue operation commenced immediately after the abduction and was meticulously planned to avoid collateral damage.
On July 10, 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, led by Major General CR Nnebeife, executed the final phase of the operation.
The team successfully secured the release of all 44 hostages, working in close collaboration with:
- the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA),
- the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC),
- Defence Headquarters,
- Special Forces from the Army, Navy, Air Force,
- Nigeria Police, DSS, NIA, NSCDC, and,
- local vigilante groups including hunters and Amotekun.
Breaking the Terrorist Network
The Army revealed that the operation was not limited to Oyo State.
Intelligence-driven raids were conducted across several states, leading to multiple arrests of terrorist collaborators, informants, and logistics suppliers.
These actions disrupted the kidnappers’ networks and exerted overwhelming pressure on them, forcing the group to unconditionally release the captives.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirmed that eight kidnappers were arrested and are currently in DSS custody.
Meanwhile others were neutralised during the operation.
He emphasized that there was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as the terrorists’ demand for the release of a detained kingpin was rejected.
That individual remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his crimes.
Humanitarian Considerations
The Army stressed that the operation was carefully executed to ensure the safety of the children and teachers.
While some security personnel sustained casualties, the hostages were rescued unharmed.
They are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.
Gratitude and Acknowledgements
In a statement, Major General Nnebeife expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support, which he said were instrumental in the success of the mission.
He also thanked Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the people of the state for their continuous support during the crisis.
The General extended appreciation to 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, and the Directors General of DSS and NIA for their coordination and backing.
He further acknowledged the role of the Nigerian media and the general public.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property nationwide.
National Significance
This rescue marks one of the most coordinated multi-agency operations in recent years, highlighting the importance of intelligence-sharing and community involvement in combating terrorism.
The successful outcome is expected to boost public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture, which has faced criticism over rising insecurity in recent times.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to continuing operations against terrorist groups.
It promised to dismantle their networks, ensuring that schools and communities remain safe.
Looking Ahead
While the rescue operation has brought relief to families and communities in Oyo State, security experts caution that the fight against terrorism remains ongoing.
The dismantling of networks in Old Oyo National Park is a significant achievement, but further operations are expected to target remaining cells across the country.
For now, the safe return of the pupils and teachers stands as a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s armed forces.
It also stands as a testament to the collective determination of the nation to confront and defeat terrorism.
