Security forces have rescued 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after a month-long intelligence-driven operation that dismantled the kidnappers’ network across the Old Oyo National Park and other parts of the country.
The victims, who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on Friday, July 10, following what the Nigerian Army described as a carefully planned and coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.
In a statement, Acting Deputy Director 2 Division Army Public Relations Lieut. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma said the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, and executed 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, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun personnel.
According to the Army, the operation focused on identifying and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction, targeting its kingpins, logistics chain, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.
Security operatives also carried out coordinated raids across Oyo State and several other states, leading to multiple arrests that disrupted the group’s operations and placed sustained pressure on its members.
Military authorities said the intensified offensive compelled the kidnappers to release the victims unconditionally, while follow-up operations are underway to apprehend other suspects and completely dismantle the criminal network.
The Army noted that the rescue mission was meticulously executed to avoid collateral damage and ensure the safe recovery of the pupils and teachers. It, however, disclosed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation.
The rescued victims 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 commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the strategic direction and operational support that contributed to the success of the mission.
He also expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, 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 participating security agencies for their collaboration and seamless coordination throughout the operation.
The GOC further thanked the media and Nigerians for their support and confidence in the country’s security architecture, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to enhance ongoing efforts to protect lives and property nationwide.
