The Nigerian Army has revealed that the unconditional release of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State was not the result of negotiations, but the outcome of a month-long intelligence-led security operation that crippled the terrorists’ network through multiple arrests across Oyo and other states.
The military said the sustained operation dismantled the kidnappers’ logistics chain, hideouts and network of informants, leaving the criminal gang isolated, weakened and under overwhelming pressure before they were compelled to release their captives.
The victims, who were abducted on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on July 10 following a coordinated rescue operation involving troops of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, alongside several security and intelligence agencies.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said weeks of painstaking intelligence gathering and coordinated operations exposed the terrorist syndicate responsible for the abduction and dismantled its operational structure.
According to the military, the operation brought together special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of 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), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, hunters and other security outfits.
The Army disclosed that the mission, which lasted more than one month, focused on identifying and apprehending the terrorist kingpins behind the mass abduction while destroying every support system sustaining the criminal gang.
“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting 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.
It added that security operatives carried out coordinated arrests in Oyo State and several other parts of the country, dealing a devastating blow to the terrorists’ operations.
“As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states in the country. These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted,” the Army stated.
The military stressed that the rescue operation was meticulously planned to ensure the safety of the abducted children and teachers while avoiding civilian casualties. It, however, acknowledged that some security personnel paid the ultimate price during the operation.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement added.
According to the Army, the rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.
Major General Nnebeife, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support throughout the operation. He also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their cooperation, describing their support as critical to the success of the mission.
“The GOC also wishes to once again thank the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and indeed the good people of the state for their continuous support to security agencies, especially during the trying period,” the statement concluded.