The Nigerian Army has revealed that the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State regained their freedom through a month-long intelligence-led joint security operation that dismantled the kidnappers’ network.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
According to the statement, troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, carried out the operation in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre, NCTC, Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from 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 Army said the operation, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the kingpins behind the May 15, 2026 abduction, dismantling their logistics networks and tracking their informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
It stated that multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country, a development that disrupted the terrorist group’s operations and mounted sustained pressure on the abductors, ultimately leading to the unconditional release of the victims.
According to the statement, the operation was carefully planned and executed to ensure the safe rescue of the pupils and teachers while avoiding collateral damage, although some security personnel recorded casualties during the operation.
The Army added that the rescued victims are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
It noted that follow-up operations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network involved in the abduction.