The Nigerian Army has disclosed that the rescue of 44 abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State followed weeks of intelligence-driven operations involving multiple security agencies and local vigilante groups.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, 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 personnel.

According to the Army, the coordinated operation culminated in the safe rescue of the victims on July 10, nearly two months after they were abducted on May 15, 2026.

The statement explained that the operation, which lasted for more than a month, targeted the suspected kingpins behind the abduction and focused on dismantling their network, logistics chain, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.

It added that multiple suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the criminal network and mounting sustained pressure on the kidnappers, who eventually released the victims unconditionally.

“The operations focused on identifying the terrorists’ kingpins, dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts. Multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other locations, completely disorganising the group and compelling them to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement said.

The Army noted that the operation was carefully planned to ensure the safe recovery of the victims without collateral damage, although some security personnel sustained casualties during the mission.

State of rescued abductees

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

The GOC commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the strategic direction and support that contributed to the success of the operation, while also appreciating Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his cooperation throughout the rescue mission.

The Army also acknowledged 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 seamless coordination.

The military further thanked the media and Nigerians for their patience and support during the operation and urged members of the public to remain vigilant by providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to enhance ongoing efforts to protect lives and property across the country.