44 abducted Oyo Pupils, teachers regain freedom after Joint security operation
pannigeriannews
2 min read
By Isaiah Adewole
Forty-four pupils and teachers abducted during an attack on a school in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued following what the Nigerian Army described as an intelligence-led joint security operation that lasted for more than a month.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the victims were rescued on July 10, 2026, through a coordinated operation involving troops of the Nigerian Army led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife, alongside personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun, local vigilantes and hunters.
According to the statement, the operation focused on dismantling the network responsible for the May 15, 2026 abduction, including its leaders, informants, logistics chain and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
“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 read.
The Army disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation, a development it said weakened the criminal network and forced the kidnappers to release the captives.
“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 disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” it said.
The military added that the rescue mission was carefully planned to ensure the safe recovery of the victims, although some security personnel lost their lives in the process.
“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 added.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will later be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The GOC, on behalf of all participating security agencies, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, defence and security chiefs, as well as the people of Oyo State for their support throughout the operation.
He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen efforts at protecting lives and property across the country.
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