Army Reveals Behind the Scene of Oyo Teacher, Students Rescue

The Nigerian Army has revealed details of the intelligence-driven operation that led to the rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying the month-long mission involved coordinated operations by multiple security agencies that dismantled the kidnappers’ network before the victims were freed.

In a statement on Friday, the Army said the operation culminated on July 10, 2026, when troops of the 2 Division, led by the General Officer Commanding, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, working alongside special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives, secured the release of the victims.

The Army disclosed that the pupils and teachers were kidnapped by terrorists on May 15, 2026, and that the rescue followed “intelligence-led carefully planned and executed operations.”

According to the statement, the mission, which lasted for more than a month, concentrated on identifying the kingpins behind the abduction and dismantling their operational structure.

“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State,” it said.

The Army further disclosed that security operatives carried out multiple arrests in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the criminal group’s activities and forcing them to release the captives.

“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 added, noting that “further operations are to be conducted.”

The Army said the operation was deliberately executed with caution to protect the lives of the hostages.

“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” it stated.

It added that the rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

The GOC, on behalf of the participating agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing the strategic guidance and support that made the operation successful.

He also thanked 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 other security agencies for their collaboration.

The Army also commended the media and Nigerians for their patience and support during the operation and urged citizens to remain vigilant by providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies in the ongoing effort to safeguard lives and property across the country.