2 Division GOC Gives Details Of Month-Long Operation That Freed 44 Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

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The Nigerian Army has revealed details of the intelligence-led joint security operation that resulted in the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the victims were rescued on July 10, 2026, following a carefully planned and coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.

The statement disclosed that troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife, worked in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly 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.

The security agencies successfully rescued the 44 pupils and teachers who were kidnapped by terrorists on May 15, 2026.

According to the Army, the operation lasted for more than a month and focused on identifying the kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their networks, disrupting their logistics chain, and tracking down informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest.

The statement further revealed that multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation.

It noted that the arrests significantly weakened the criminal network, placed the kidnappers under sustained pressure and ultimately compelled them to unconditionally release the abducted pupils and teachers.

The Army added that follow-up operations would continue to ensure that all those connected with the crime are brought to justice.

The statement explained that the rescue mission was meticulously planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and guarantee the safe recovery of the victims. It, however, acknowledged that some members of the security forces sustained casualties during the operation.

According to the Army, 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.

Commending all those involved in the operation, the GOC, on behalf of the participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his strategic guidance, support and the resources provided, which he said contributed to the success of the operation.

Major General Nnebeife also thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of the state for their continued support for security agencies throughout the operation.

He 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; other Service Chiefs; the Inspector-General of Police; the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA; and the heads of other security agencies for ensuring seamless coordination throughout the operation.

The Army also appreciated media organisations and Nigerians for their patience, understanding and confidence in the nation’s security architecture, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across the country.