The Nigerian Army has confirmed the rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, following what it described as a carefully planned and intelligence-driven operation involving multiple security agencies.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the victims, who were kidnapped by terrorists on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom after more than a month of sustained military and intelligence operations.
The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy and 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 Amotekun personnel.
According to the Army, the operation focused on tracking the terrorist kingpins responsible for the abduction, dismantling their logistics network, exposing their informants and destroying their hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
The military disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country, a development that disrupted the criminal network and mounted significant pressure on the kidnappers, ultimately forcing them to release the victims unconditionally.
It added that the operation was meticulously executed to ensure the safe rescue of the pupils and teachers while avoiding collateral damage, although some security personnel sustained casualties during the mission.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The Nigerian Army commended President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic guidance and support for the operation, while also appreciating Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, 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 other participating security agencies for their cooperation.
The Army also thanked the media and Nigerians for their support and urged citizens to remain vigilant by providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance efforts to safeguard lives and property across the country.
