By Chimezie Godfrey
Troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by other security agencies, have rescued the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after a month-long intelligence-led operation that dismantled the kidnappers’ network.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the victims were rescued on July 10, 2026, during a carefully coordinated operation led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife.
The statement said the operation involved personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), including the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of 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), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.
It explained that the operation focused on identifying the kingpins behind the May 15 abduction, dismantling their logistics network and destroying their hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
The Army said multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the kidnappers’ operations and mounting sustained pressure that eventually forced them to release the pupils and teachers unconditionally.
According to the statement, the rescue mission was meticulously planned to ensure the safe recovery of the victims without exposing them to unnecessary danger, although some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The GOC, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic guidance and support that contributed to the success of the operation.
He also thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their cooperation with security agencies throughout the rescue effort.
The Army further acknowledged the support of 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, and the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA for ensuring effective inter-agency collaboration.
It also commended the media and Nigerians for their patience and confidence in the country’s security architecture, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance efforts to safeguard lives and property across the country.