Oriire Abduction: Army Confirms Rescue of 44 Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers To Ends 57-Day Ordeal
…As Army praises President Tinubu, Governor Makinde and participating agencies for support and collaboration
…Victims receiving medical attention as authorities intensify efforts against kidnapping networks
A total of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, have been confirmed rescued following an intelligence-led operation coordinated by security agencies.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed that the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy and 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), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.
The statement noted that the operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction, including its logistics chain, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.
It added that multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria, a development that disrupted the activities of the group and mounted intense pressure on the kidnappers, leading to the unconditional release of the victims.
The Army said the rescue mission was carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and ensure the safe recovery of the pupils and teachers, although some security personnel suffered casualties during the operation.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
Major General Nnebeife, on behalf of all participating agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support, which he said contributed significantly to the success of the operation.
The GOC also thanked Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and the people of the state for their continuous support to security agencies throughout the operation.
He further appreciated the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, 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 and execution of the mission.
The Army also thanked media organisations and Nigerians for their support and confidence in the country’s security architecture, urging citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies in the ongoing effort to safeguard lives and property across the country.
