By Desire Emmanuel
The Nigerian Army has given details of how teachers and students from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State who were abducted about 56 days ago were rescued.
There was jubilation in many parts of the state on Friday evening when the news of their rescue was made public by the Presidency through a statement by Bayo Onanuga, spokesman of President Bola Tinubu.
However, while giving more details about the rescue, the Nigerian Army said it followed what it described as “intelligence-led, carefully planned and executed operations involving various security agencies in the country.”
The statement reads: “Following an intelligence-led carefully planned and executed operations, on July 10, 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) specifically the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy the Air Force and the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies as well as local vigilantes/hunters/Amotekuns, in a well coordinated operation rescued a total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026.
“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists 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.
“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.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages 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 pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State government in due course so as to be reunited with their families.
“The GOC 2 Division wishes to on behalf of all the participating agencies most sincerely and respectfully thank and appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the strategic guidance, support and for all the provisions that made the operations a huge success.
“The GOC also wishes to once again thank the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde and indeed the good people of the state for their continous support to security agencies especially during the trying period.”
