44 Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Freed as Army Commends Joint Security Operation

The Nigerian Army has expressed appreciation to all security agencies and stakeholders for their support in the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, commended the close collaboration among the various security agencies, describing the seamless coordination and joint execution of the operation as critical to its success.
He also expressed appreciation to 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 Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); as well as the heads of other security agencies for their support throughout the operation.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, the rescue followed a carefully planned and intelligence-driven operation conducted on 10 July 2026.
The statement said troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the GOC 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, worked in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC); the Defence Headquarters; Special Forces elements 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); other security agencies; and local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun personnel.
It stated that the coordinated operation resulted in the successful rescue of all 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area on 15 May 2026.
The statement explained that the operation lasted for more than one month and focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins responsible for the abduction, dismantling their operational networks and logistics structures, and disrupting their support systems, including informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park forest.
It added that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the course of the operation.
According to the statement:
“As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states of the country. These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations will be conducted.”
The statement noted that the operation was meticulously planned and executed to minimise collateral damage while ensuring the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
It, however, disclosed that security forces recorded casualties during the operation.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course for reunification with their families.
The statement further read:
“The GOC 2 Division wishes, on behalf of all participating agencies, to sincerely and respectfully thank His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his strategic guidance, unwavering support and the resources provided, which contributed significantly to the success of the operation.
“The GOC also expresses profound appreciation to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the people of Oyo State for their continuous support to security agencies, particularly during this challenging period.
“The GOC further appreciates 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 the heads of other security agencies for their invaluable support and effective collaboration, which ensured seamless coordination throughout the operation.
“We also sincerely thank the various media organisations and the Nigerian public for their support, understanding and confidence in the nation’s security architecture. We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information to assist ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across Nigeria.”