Army details joint operation that freed Oyo schoolchildren after 56 days of captivity

Crime Diary

IBADAN, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigerian Army has disclosed details of the intelligence-led operation that secured the rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State, revealing that the month-long mission involved a coordinated effort by multiple security agencies and local vigilantes.

In a statement issued on Saturday, signed by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, the Army said the operation culminated in the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by suspected terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.

According to the Army, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, and involved personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), including the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, 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 members of the Amotekun Corps.

The Army said the operation, which lasted for more than one month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their networks, disrupting their logistics chain and locating their hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.

It disclosed that security operatives carried out multiple arrests in Oyo State and several other parts of the country, significantly weakening the terrorist network.

According to the statement, sustained pressure from the coordinated operations forced the kidnappers to release the victims unconditionally.

The Army added that further operations are continuing to apprehend other members of the criminal network.

It explained that the rescue mission was carefully planned to ensure the safe recovery of the pupils and teachers while minimising collateral damage.

However, the Army disclosed that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation, although it did not provide further details on the casualties.

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

The Army expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what it described as his strategic guidance and support throughout the operation.

It also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, 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 collaboration.

The Army further thanked members of the public and the media for their support and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism and violent crime.