Troops Rescue 44 Abducted Pupils, Teachers After Month-Long Oyo Forest Operation
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have successfully rescued 44 abducted pupils and teachers following a month-long, intelligence-driven operation in Oyo State.
The victims, who were kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area on 15 May 2026, regained their freedom on 10 July 2026 after a carefully planned and coordinated rescue mission.
The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, and involved personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and 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 members of the Amotekun Corps.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operation focused on identifying and dismantling the network of the terrorist kingpins responsible for the abduction.
According to the statement, the operation targeted the kidnappers’ logistics chain, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.
It added that multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country, significantly disrupting the criminal network and mounting sustained pressure on the kidnappers, who eventually released the victims unconditionally.
“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park Forest,” the statement said.
The Army noted that the rescue mission was meticulously planned to prevent collateral damage and ensure the safe recovery of the children and their teachers. It, however, disclosed that the security forces recorded some 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, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic guidance, support and the necessary resources that contributed to the success of the operation.
The GOC also thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of the state for their continuous support to security agencies throughout the operation.
He 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 the heads of other security agencies for ensuring seamless coordination throughout the operation.
The Army also commended the media and Nigerians for their understanding and support, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen efforts at safeguarding lives and property across the country.
The military said follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network and further dismantle the group’s operational capabilities.
