11/07/2026
How the Nigerian Army rescued abducted Oyo pupils and teachers after weeks of intensive operations
The Nigerian Army has revealed how the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State on May 15 regained their freedom on Friday, July 10, following a well-coordinated security operation that lasted for over a month.
According to a statement by the Army, the rescue mission was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General CR Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from 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), and other security agencies.
The military disclosed that the operation focused on tracking down the terrorist kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their networks, cutting off their logistics and intelligence channels, and raiding their hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.
Several suspects were reportedly arrested in Oyo State and across other parts of the country, a move the Army said crippled the kidnappers' operations and mounted intense pressure on the group.
According to the statement, the sustained pressure eventually forced the terrorists to unconditionally release all the abducted pupils and teachers.
The Army noted that the operation was carefully planned and executed to ensure the victims were rescued safely without collateral damage. However, it confirmed that some security personnel lost their lives 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 before reuniting with their families. The Army also stated that follow-up operations are still ongoing.
