Army Reveals How Month-Long Operation Crushed Terror Network, Freed 44 Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

The Nigerian Army has disclosed details of the coordinated security operation that led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying the mission followed weeks of intelligence gathering and sustained pressure on the kidnappers’ network.

The victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity following a multi-agency operation that targeted the terrorists’ camps, informants and logistics chain across Oyo State and other parts of the country.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the Army said the operation was spearheaded by troops under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, working alongside personnel from several security and intelligence agencies.

According to the Army, the rescue mission brought together operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy and 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 Amotekun operatives, local hunters and vigilantes.

Giving an account of the operation, the Army stated: “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 (ONSA), specifically the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy, the Air Force and the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), 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 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 Army explained that sustained intelligence operations led to multiple arrests in Oyo and several other states, effectively disrupting the activities of the terrorist network and forcing the kidnappers to abandon the captives.

It 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.”

Military authorities noted that the operation was executed with utmost caution to safeguard the lives of the hostages and avoid civilian casualties.

The statement added: “However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces.”

According to the Army, the rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical evaluation and treatment at an undisclosed medical facility before they are reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.

The Army also commended the support received from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his strategic guidance as instrumental to the success of the operation.

The military further expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other service chiefs, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, and heads of participating security agencies for their collaboration throughout the operation.

It also thanked members of the media and Nigerians for supporting ongoing security operations while urging citizens to continue providing credible intelligence capable of assisting security agencies in tackling criminal activities across the country.

The pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15 after heavily armed 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.

Official reports indicated that 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted during the raid. The attack also claimed the life of the Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, who was shot while attempting to escape.

Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded by the terrorists while in captivity, an incident that sparked widespread outrage across the country.

Earlier on Friday, the Presidency confirmed the successful rescue of all the victims.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced on his verified X handle: “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo, have been rescued by our security agencies.”

He subsequently disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several other members of the gang were neutralised.

Onanuga also maintained that the Federal Government made no concessions to secure the victims’ freedom, noting that authorities rejected the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a detained Boko Haram kingpin currently facing terrorism charges.

President Tinubu also celebrated the outcome of the operation in a separate statement, announcing that the abducted children and teachers were rescued alive.

According to the President, “no ransom was paid” and “no concession was made.”

Tinubu further pledged that those responsible for the killings and abduction would face justice and directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government in providing medical care, trauma support and other relief services for the rescued victims.