The 44 pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation led by troops of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies.
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, after an intelligence-driven operation that lasted for more than one month.
The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, and involved personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.
The military disclosed that the operation focused on identifying and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction, including its logistics chain, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
Several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation. According to the Army, the sustained pressure from security forces disrupted the criminal network and compelled the terrorists to unconditionally release the abducted pupils and teachers.
The statement noted that the operation was carefully planned and executed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims while avoiding collateral damage. However, it added that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation.
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.
The Nigerian Army expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the strategic guidance and support that contributed to the success of the operation.
The Army also commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for his support to security agencies throughout the rescue efforts, while acknowledging 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 heads of other security agencies for ensuring effective inter-agency collaboration.
The Army further thanked media organisations and Nigerians for their patience, support and confidence in the nation’s security architecture, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities.