By Our Correspondent A joint security operation has rescued 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted by suspected terrorists in ...
By Our Correspondent
A joint security operation has rescued 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted by suspected terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State nearly two months ago.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the victims were rescued on July 10 following an intelligence-led operation involving the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
The statement said the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), including the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the 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 members of the Amotekun Corps.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to the Army, the operation lasted for more than one month and focused on identifying the suspected masterminds of the abduction, dismantling their networks and logistics chain, and destroying their hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
The statement disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country, a development it said disrupted the criminal network and mounted sustained pressure on the kidnappers, ultimately leading to the unconditional release of the victims.
The Army added that further operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the group and dismantle the remaining elements of the network.
It explained that the operation was carefully planned and executed to ensure the safe rescue of the pupils and teachers while minimising collateral damage.
The statement, however, disclosed that the security forces recorded casualties during the operation but did not provide details.
According to the Army, the rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families after completing medical evaluations.
The GOC, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his strategic guidance, support and provision of resources that contributed to the success of the operation.
He also thanked Oyo State Governor, Engr. 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 heads of other security agencies for their support and coordination.
The Army further commended the media and Nigerians for their understanding and support, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen efforts to protect lives and property across the country.
Source: Statement by Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, July 10, 2026.
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