SECURITY FORCES RESCUE 44 ABDUCTED PUPILS, TEACHERS AFTER MONTH LONG COUNTERTERRORISM OPERATION IN OYO
A joint security operation has secured the release of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, bringing to an end more than one month of intelligence driven counterterrorism operations across the Old Oyo National Park and other parts of the country.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, during an attack linked to a terrorist group operating within forest corridors in Oyo State.
Military authorities disclosed that the rescue followed a carefully planned operation conducted on July 10 by troops of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife. The mission involved personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun personnel, local vigilantes and hunters.
According to military sources, the operation was not restricted to locating the victims. Security personnel concentrated on identifying those who coordinated the abduction, dismantling their operational structure, disrupting supply channels, exposing informants and destroying hideouts concealed within the Old Oyo National Park.
Investigations carried out during the operation led to multiple arrests in Oyo State and several other states. Security officials said the arrests weakened the criminal network, disrupted its chain of command and mounted sustained pressure on its members, compelling the group to release the hostages without conditions.
Military authorities stated that follow up operations are continuing to apprehend other members of the network and eliminate remaining cells linked to the abduction.
Security officials explained that every phase of the operation was executed with caution to protect the lives of the abducted pupils and teachers while limiting harm to civilians. The operation, however, recorded casualties among members of the security forces, although details were not disclosed.
The rescued victims are receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed medical facility ahead of their formal handover to the Oyo State Government for reunion with their families.
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division commended the cooperation among participating security and intelligence agencies, describing the operation as the product of sustained intelligence sharing, operational coordination and unified command.
He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, the Inspector General of Police, the leadership of the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency and other security institutions whose contributions strengthened the operation.
The military further expressed appreciation to residents of Oyo State, community based security volunteers and members of the public for providing information that supported the operation. Citizens were encouraged to remain vigilant and continue supplying credible intelligence capable of assisting security agencies in preventing future attacks and protecting lives and property.
