44 abducted pupils and teachers regain freedom after nearly two months in captivity as coordinated operation dismantles kidnappers’ logistics chain in Old Oyo National Park
A month-long, intelligence-driven military operation that secured the release of 44 abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State came at a cost, with the military confirming on Saturday that security personnel suffered casualties during the rescue mission.
The victims, who were abducted on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, regained their freedom on Friday, July 10 after what the military described as a meticulously coordinated operation involving multiple security and intelligence agencies.
The Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma.
According to the military, the rescue mission 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 through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of 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), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The operation, which lasted for more than a month, focused on dismantling the kidnappers’ network, logistics chain, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other locations linked to the criminal group.
Arrests Forced Release of Victims
The military disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation, disrupting the kidnappers’ activities and placing sustained pressure on the group.
According to the statement, the coordinated arrests completely disorganised the syndicate, crippled its logistics network and ultimately compelled the abductors to release the pupils and teachers unconditionally.
“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist 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,” the statement said.
It added that the arrests “completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers.”
While emphasising that the operation was carefully executed to guarantee the safety of the victims, the military acknowledged that some members of the security forces lost their lives or sustained injuries during the mission.
“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 statement said.
The military, however, did not disclose the number or identities of the affected personnel.
The Army said the rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before they are formally handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
READ ALSO:
- Outrage in Oyo as Pregnant Woman, Ransom Bearer Killed by Suspected Kidnappers
- Troops Rescue 398 Kidnap Victims, Arrest 31 Terrorists Nationwide
- Nigeria Reels From Fresh Wave of Mass Kidnappings, School Attacks, Coordinated Terror Raids
- Adelabu Denies Alleged Link Between Aide, Sister’s Kidnap
Major General Nnebeife commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic direction and support throughout the operation.
He also praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his support to security agencies and 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, as well as heads of other participating security agencies for ensuring effective coordination during the rescue mission.
The military expressed appreciation to the media and Nigerians for their cooperation during the operation and urged members of the public to remain vigilant by providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.
According to the statement, continued collaboration between citizens and security agencies remains critical to ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping, dismantle criminal networks and protect lives and property across the country.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.