A total of 44 pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026 have been successfully rescued following an intensive, intelligence-led joint security operation conducted across the Old Oyo National Park and other parts of the country.
The rescue followed a carefully planned and executed operation carried out on 10 July 2026 by troops of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife. The operation was conducted in close collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), 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 Amotekun personnel.
The operation, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction. Security forces targeted the group’s leadership, logistics chain, informants and hideouts, particularly within the Old Oyo National Park forest.
As part of the operation, several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country. The coordinated arrests significantly disrupted the group’s operations, weakened its network and mounted sustained pressure on the terrorists, ultimately leading to the unconditional release of the abducted pupils and teachers. Security agencies have confirmed that follow-up operations will continue to ensure all remaining members of the network are brought to justice.
The operation was deliberately planned and executed with the safety of the victims as the foremost priority, ensuring their rescue without collateral damage. However, the security forces recorded some casualties during the operation.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed medical facility. They will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
On behalf of all participating security agencies, the GOC 2 Division expressed profound appreciation to President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his strategic leadership, unwavering support and the resources that contributed to the successful outcome of the operation.
The GOC also thanked the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the people of Oyo State for their steadfast support and cooperation with security agencies throughout the operation.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Honourable 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 security agencies for their collaboration and seamless coordination throughout the mission.
Finally, the GOC expressed gratitude to media organisations and the Nigerian public for their patience, understanding and confidence in the nation’s security institutions. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to protect lives and property across the country.
