The Nigerian Army has revealed how troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, secured the release of pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
According to the Army, the victims were rescued through an intelligence-driven operation that lasted for more than a month and targeted the kidnappers’ leadership, logistics network and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the Army said the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, alongside personnel from several security and intelligence agencies.
The operation involved troops of the Nigerian Army, special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, including the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as operatives of the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The Army disclosed that a total of 44 abducted pupils and teachers were rescued during the operation.
It explained that security operatives concentrated on identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their support networks, cutting off logistics supplies and tracking down informants linked to the criminal group.
“Following an intelligence-led, carefully planned and executed operation on 10 July 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army… rescued a total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026,” the statement said.
It added that the month-long operation also focused on dismantling terrorist camps and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park.
According to the Army, several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the operations of the terrorist group and piling pressure on its members.
“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 statement added.
The Army said the mission was carefully executed to ensure the safe recovery of the victims while minimising collateral damage.
It, however, disclosed that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
On behalf of all participating agencies, Major General Nnebeife expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his strategic guidance and support throughout the operation.
He also thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, 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 support.
The Army further commended media organisations and members of the public for supporting security operations and urged Nigerians to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to assist ongoing efforts against terrorism and other violent crimes.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
Initial reports indicated that 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken during the attack. The assistant headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Asesiyan, was killed while attempting to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded by the terrorists during captivity.
