44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026 have been rescued.
This followed an intelligence-led carefully planned and executed operations, on 10 July 2026 by troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General CR Nnebeife. This was 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. Others are 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.
A statement by Acting Deputy Director
2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel DanjumaJonah Danjuma disclosed that the operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists 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 reads in part:
“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 wish to on behalf of all the participating agencies most sincerely and respectfully thank and appreciate, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR 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, Engr Seyi Makinde and indeed the good people of the State for their continous support to security agencies especially during the trying period.
“The GOC also appreciates the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Hon Minster of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police and the Directors General DSS and NIA as well as Heads of other Security Agencies for their support and for the opportunity to relate directly with all the security agencies to ensure a seamless coordination and execution of the operations.
“We sincerely thank the various media houses and indeed the entire Nigeria populace for their support, understanding and for having faith in the security architecture of the Nation. We urge all to remain vigilant and continue to support all security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in the ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties across Nigeria.”
Similarly, President Bola Tinubu has reacted to the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo, expressing delight over the operation carried out by security agencies.
The President, in a statement on Friday, commended the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for what he described as their heroic efforts in securing the release of the victims after 56 days in captivity without collateral damage.
He also praised the security operatives for arresting eight of the suspected abductors while neutralising others during the rescue operation.
Tinubu, however, expressed regret over the trauma endured by the children, their teachers, their families and the nation during the period of their abduction.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and led to the arrest of eight of them,” the President said.
“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular.”
He added, “On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.”
The President assured Nigerians that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed by the abductors.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he said.
Tinubu also commended the Oyo State Government for its collaboration with the Federal Government throughout the rescue efforts.
“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” he stated.
He further charged the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.
The President also directed relevant emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued pupils and teachers with necessary medical care and other relief support.
