Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Army has disclosed that the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State was the result of a month-long, intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies that dismantled the kidnappers’ network and compelled them to release the victims, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the operation culminated on July 10, 2026, with the successful rescue of the victims, who were abducted on May 15, 2026.
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The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), including the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian 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 members of the Amotekun Corps.
According to the Army, the operation focused on identifying and dismantling the criminal network responsible for the abduction, including its kingpins, informants, logistics chain and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park.
The military said several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation, significantly disrupting the group’s activities and placing sustained pressure on its members, ultimately forcing them to release the pupils and teachers unconditionally.
“The arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement said, adding that follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the network.
The Army said the rescue mission was meticulously planned and executed to ensure the safe recovery of the victims without collateral damage. However, it disclosed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation, although no further details were provided.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
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Major General Nnebeife expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing the strategic direction and support that contributed to the success of the operation. He also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for the state’s cooperation throughout the rescue efforts.
The GOC further acknowledged the contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; the Chief of Defence Staff; the Chief of Army Staff; the Service Chiefs; the Inspector-General of Police; the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA; and the heads of other participating security agencies for ensuring seamless coordination throughout the operation.
The Army also thanked the media and the Nigerian public for their patience, support and confidence in the country’s security architecture, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.
The successful rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat kidnapping and restore confidence in the security of schools.
It also underscores the importance of intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency collaboration and community support in confronting evolving security threats across the country.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
