How 44 Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Were Rescued – Army
The Nigerian Army has announced the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
According to the Army, the victims regained their freedom following a month-long intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies and local security groups.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Danjuma, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife.
The Army said the rescue mission was carried out in 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, 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), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
According to the statement, the coordinated operation, conducted on July 10, 2026, followed weeks of intelligence gathering and targeted the kidnappers’ network, logistics chain, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other locations across the country.
The Army disclosed that several suspects linked to the kidnapping were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria during the operation.
It explained that the arrests significantly disrupted the terrorist group’s operations, mounting enough pressure to force the kidnappers to release the captives unconditionally.
“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, busting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State,” the statement said.
The military added that although the operation was carefully planned to ensure the safe rescue of the victims without collateral damage, some members of the security forces sustained casualties during the mission.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
Major General Nnebeife, speaking on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his strategic leadership and support throughout the operation.
He also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as other security chiefs for their contributions to the successful rescue mission.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
Initial reports indicated that 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted during the attack.
The incident turned tragic as the Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, was reportedly shot dead while attempting to escape. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded by the terrorists while in captivity, sparking widespread outrage across the country.
