Army reveals how intelligence-led operation freed Oyo pupils, teachers after 56 days

The Nigerian Army has disclosed how troops, working in collaboration with other security agencies, rescued pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.

The Army said the victims regained their freedom following a month-long intelligence-led operation that targeted the kidnappers’ network, logistics chain and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma.

According to the statement, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, in collaboration with personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), 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.

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The Army said the operation successfully rescued 44 abducted pupils and teachers who were kidnapped from Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.

It explained that security operatives focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their operational network, cutting off their logistics supply routes and apprehending their informants.

According to the Army, the operation, which lasted for more than one month, also led to the discovery of terrorist hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park.

“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,” the statement said.

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

It added that the rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

The GOC, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic direction and support that contributed to the success of the operation.

He also commended Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, 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 their collaboration.

The Army further thanked Nigerians and media organisations for supporting ongoing security operations and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

Earlier official reports indicated that 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted during the attack. The assistant headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, was reportedly killed while attempting to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded by the abductors during captivity.

While the Army announced the rescue of 44 victims, earlier official accounts had put the total number of abductees at 46, raising questions over whether the figure announced by the Army excluded the two teachers who lost their lives during the incident.

Confirming the successful rescue, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced that all the abducted pupils and teachers had regained their freedom.

He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several other members of the terrorist group were neutralised by security operatives.

According to Onanuga, the victims were rescued without the Federal Government acceding to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a Boko Haram kingpin standing trial for terrorism.

President Tinubu also confirmed the development, describing the operation as a major success for the nation’s security agencies.

The President stated that all the victims were rescued alive and unharmed, stressing that no ransom was paid and no concession was made to the abductors.

He directed relevant emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care, psychosocial support and other relief assistance for the rescued pupils and teachers, while assuring that those responsible for the killings and abduction would be brought to justice.

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