Troops Rescue 44 Kidnapped Pupils, Teachers After Joint Security Operation in Oyo

Troops Rescue 44 Kidnapped Pupils, Teachers After Joint Security Operation in Oyo

By Temidayo Babalola 

Security agencies have rescued 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State following a coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian Army and other intelligence and law enforcement 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-led operation that lasted for more than one month.

The military said the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes.

According to the statement, the operation focused on dismantling the network of the kidnappers, identifying their leaders, disrupting their logistics and arresting suspected collaborators and informants operating within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.

The military disclosed that several suspects were arrested during the operation, a development it said significantly weakened the criminal network and resulted in the unconditional release of the abducted pupils and teachers. It added that follow-up operations are ongoing.

The statement noted that the operation was carefully planned to ensure the safe rescue of the victims while minimising collateral damage, although some members of the security forces sustained casualties during the mission.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will later be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

The GOC expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic guidance and support to the nation's security agencies. He also thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and heads of other security agencies for their collaboration throughout the operation.

The military also commended the media and Nigerians for their support and urged members of the public to remain vigilant by providing timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen ongoing efforts to protect lives and property across the country.