How Joint Security Team Rescued 44 Abducted Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers

The Nigerian Army has revealed how a coordinated security operation involving several agencies led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending nearly two months in captivity.

The military said the mission, which lasted for more than a month, combined intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated raids that eventually forced the kidnappers to release their captives unconditionally.

The details of the operation were contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.

According to the Army, troops of the 2 Division, led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General CR Nnebeife, spearheaded the operation in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), including the National Counter Terrorism Centre, 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 personnel.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area. The incident left one teacher dead during the attack, while another was reportedly killed in captivity, heightening public outrage and concern over school security.

The Army said the rescue operation extended beyond securing the victims’ freedom, targeting the criminal network responsible for the abduction.

“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists’ kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State,” the statement said.

The military disclosed that operatives carried out multiple arrests in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the syndicate’s activities and weakening its operational capacity.

“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,” it added.

The Army stressed that the operation was meticulously planned to protect the lives of the children and their teachers throughout the rescue mission.

“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement noted.

According to the military, the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

The successful operation followed weeks of sustained efforts by security agencies after President Bola Tinubu directed that every available resource be deployed to secure the victims’ release. During the period, security agencies repeatedly dismissed false reports claiming the victims had been freed, insisting that operations were still ongoing.

Earlier on Friday, the Presidency announced that all the abducted pupils and teachers had regained their freedom. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, later disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while several others were neutralised.

He also clarified that no ransom or prisoner exchange was involved in securing the victims’ release, despite the kidnappers’ reported demand for the release of one of their kingpins currently facing prosecution.

The Army expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for providing strategic guidance and logistical support throughout the operation.

It also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, 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, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, and other security agencies for what it described as seamless coordination.

The military further thanked residents of Oyo State, local security volunteers, hunters, Amotekun operatives and the media for their cooperation and support.

“We urge all to remain vigilant and continue to support all security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in the ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties across Nigeria,” the statement said.