Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 44 pupils and teachers who were kidnapped by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to a statement issued on X on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the rescue followed “intelligence-led, carefully planned and executed operations.”
Col. Danjuma said the operations were led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General CR Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, specifically the National Counter Terrorism Center, NCTC.
Other agencies involved, according to the statement, include the Defence Headquarters Special Forces, Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, DSS, National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.
The statement said the victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, and that the month-long operation focused on identifying terrorist kingpins, dismantling their networks and logistics links, including informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.
”As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some States in 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,” the statement read.
Col. Danjuma added that the operations were carefully planned to avoid collateral damage and ensure the safe rescue of the innocent children and teachers. He however noted that “there were some casualties on the part of the security forces.”
According to the statement, the rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course for reunification with their families.
The GOC 2 Division, on behalf of all participating agencies, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR “for the Strategic Guidance, Support and for all the provisions that made the operations a huge success.”
He also thanked Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and heads of other security agencies for their support.
The Army urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
44 Oyo Students, Teachers Rescued In Joint Security Operation
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