The Nigerian Army announced that a month-long intelligence operation with several security agencies led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State.
The victims spent 56 days in captivity and were freed on Friday after ongoing operations against the suspected Ansaru terrorists behind the abduction.
The Army said the operation focused on the group’s leaders, supply routes, informants, and hideouts in Old Oyo National Park and other parts of the country.
Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, shared details of the operation in a statement released shortly after the victims were freed.
The statement said that troops were led by Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division.
The soldiers worked with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, and personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, and Police.
Operatives from the Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, as well as local vigilantes and hunters, also took part in the operation.
The Army said, “Following an intelligence-led, carefully planned and executed operation on 10 July 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, specifically the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy, the Air Force and the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun, in a well-coordinated operation rescued a total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.”
The military said the rescue effort lasted more than one month and was designed to identify those who planned the abduction and dismantle the structure supporting them.
“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, busting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State,” the statement added.
The Army explained that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation.
It said the arrests weakened the group, disrupted its operations and placed sustained pressure on the terrorists.
The Army stated, “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 disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted.”
The Army also disclosed that the operation was planned to ensure that the abducted victims were rescued safely and to avoid harm to civilians.
It, however, disclosed that some security personnel suffered casualties during the mission.
“However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement said.
The rescued pupils and teachers were taken to an undisclosed medical facility for examination and treatment.
The Army said they would be handed over to the Oyo State Government after receiving the necessary medical attention, ahead of their reunion with their families.
Nnebeife, on behalf of the agencies involved in the operation, thanked President Bola Tinubu for what he described as strategic guidance and support.
He also commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; the National Security Adviser; the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.); the Chief of Defence Staff; the Chief of Army Staff; and other service chiefs.
The GOC further acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA; and the heads of other participating agencies.
The Army thanked media organisations and members of the public for their cooperation and urged Nigerians to continue supplying timely and credible information to security agencies.