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By Chukwudi Abiandu

The Nigerian Army has announced the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, following what it described as a meticulously planned, intelligence-driven operation that dismantled the terrorist network responsible for the kidnapping.

The victims, who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on Friday, July 10, after a sustained multi-agency security operation led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General C.R. Nnebeife.

According to the Army statement by Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, acting Deputy Director, 2nd Division Army Public Relations, dated July 10, 2026,  the rescue mission lasted for more than a month and involved coordinated operations across the Old Oyo National Park and other locations nationwide, targeting the masterminds of the abduction, their logistics chain, informants and hideouts.

The operation brought together personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and members of the Amotekun Corps.

The Army disclosed that multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country, a development it said crippled the criminal network and mounted overwhelming pressure on the kidnappers, ultimately forcing them to unconditionally release the captives.

It noted that the operation was carefully executed to ensure the safe rescue of the children and teachers while avoiding collateral damage.

However, the Army revealed that the security forces recorded casualties during the operation but did not disclose the number or identities of those affected.

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.

The GOC commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the strategic guidance, support and resources that contributed to the success of the operation.

He also expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his support and cooperation throughout the rescue mission.

Major General Nnebeife 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; other Service Chiefs; the Inspector-General of Police; the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA; and heads of other security agencies for ensuring seamless inter-agency collaboration.

The Army also thanked the media and Nigerians for their patience, understanding and continued confidence in the nation’s security architecture.

While confirming that follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate, the Army urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across the country.