Joint Security Operation Rescues 44 Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers After Nearly Two Months in Captivity

Published By Ayshatu S Rabo On Jul 11, 2026

Joint Security Operation Rescues 44 Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers After Nearly Two Months in Captivity

A coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and other security stakeholders has led to the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, bringing an end to nearly two months of captivity.

The victims, who were kidnapped on 15 May 2026, were rescued on 10 July 2026 following an intelligence-led operation spearheaded by troops of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operation involved personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and the Amotekun Corps.

The military disclosed that the operation, which lasted for more than one month, was driven by actionable intelligence aimed at identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their operational networks, cutting off their logistics supply chain and exposing their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park.

Security forces also carried out multiple coordinated raids in Oyo State and several other parts of the country, leading to the arrest of key suspects linked to the kidnapping syndicate.

The Army said the sustained pressure mounted by the security agencies significantly weakened the terrorist network and ultimately compelled the abductors to unconditionally release the kidnapped pupils and teachers.

It added that follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal group and completely dismantle the network.

The military noted that the rescue operation was meticulously planned to ensure the safe recovery of the victims without exposing them to unnecessary danger or collateral damage.

It, however, confirmed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical treatment and psychological care at an undisclosed medical facility before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

Commending all personnel involved in the operation, Major General Nnebeife expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for providing strategic leadership, operational support and the resources that contributed to the mission’s success.

He also thanked Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their cooperation and continued support to 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, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, and heads of other participating security agencies for ensuring seamless inter-agency coordination.

The Nigerian Army also appreciated Nigerians and the media for their patience, understanding and confidence in the nation’s security architecture, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing operations against criminal and terrorist groups across the country.