UPDATE: How Joint Security Forces Rescued 44 Abducted Pupils, Teachers 56 Days After — Army
A joint security operation has successfully rescued 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after an intensive, intelligence-led operation that lasted more than one month.
The victims, who were kidnapped by terrorists on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on July 10 following a carefully coordinated rescue mission led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Chibueze Raphael Nnebeife.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operation involved personnel from the Nigerian Army, including Special Forces, working alongside operatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, the 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 the Amotekun Corps.
The statement said the operation focused on identifying and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction, including its kingpins, logistics chain, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other locations.
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As part of the coordinated offensive, security forces carried out multiple arrests in Oyo State and several other states, disrupting the group’s operational network and placing sustained pressure on the kidnappers, which ultimately compelled them to release the victims unconditionally.
The Army noted that the operation was meticulously planned and executed to ensure the safe rescue of the pupils and teachers while minimising collateral damage. 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.
The GOC commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for providing strategic guidance, support and the necessary resources that contributed to the success of the operation.
He also expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their continued support to security agencies throughout the operation.
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; the Service Chiefs; the Inspector-General of Police; the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA; and heads of other security agencies for ensuring seamless coordination throughout the mission.
The Army also thanked media organisations and Nigerians for their patience, understanding and confidence in the country’s security architecture, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across the country.
By PRNigeria
