The Nigerian Army has provided details of the coordinated security operation that led to the rescue of dozens of pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
Military authorities said the victims were freed following an intelligence-driven operation involving several security agencies and local security groups. The mission, which lasted for more than a month, focused on dismantling the kidnappers’ network and locating their hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding areas.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the Army disclosed that troops under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, coordinated the operation with personnel from the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
According to the Army, the primary objective was not only to secure the release of the victims but also to identify those responsible for the abduction, dismantle their logistics network and apprehend collaborators who supported the terrorist group.
Security operatives reportedly carried out multiple arrests in Oyo State and other parts of the country. The pressure created by the sustained crackdown disrupted the kidnappers’ operations and eventually forced them to release the captives without conditions.
Military authorities added that the operation was carefully planned to ensure the victims were rescued safely while minimizing harm to civilians. However, some members of the security forces sustained casualties during the operation.
Following their rescue, the pupils and teachers were taken to a secure medical facility for examination and treatment before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.
The Army commended President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic support for the operation and also acknowledged the contributions of 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 and heads of participating security agencies.
Authorities also thanked local communities, vigilante groups and the media for supporting ongoing security efforts, urging Nigerians to continue providing credible information that could assist future operations.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed terrorists 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. During the attack, dozens of pupils and teachers were taken into captivity, while Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan lost his life. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed while in captivity.
While the Army announced that 44 victims were rescued, earlier official figures had indicated that 46 people were abducted. The difference is believed to reflect the deaths of the two teachers during the ordeal.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga later confirmed that all surviving victims had regained their freedom. He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several other members of the criminal gang were neutralised during the operation.
Onanuga also stated that the Federal Government rejected the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a terrorism suspect facing trial, insisting that no concessions were made.
President Tinubu celebrated the successful rescue, describing it as a major victory for Nigeria’s security agencies. He emphasized that no ransom was paid to secure the release of the victims and pledged that those responsible for the killings and abduction would face justice.
The President directed relevant emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care, trauma counselling and other forms of support for the rescued pupils and teachers.
The successful operation sparked celebrations across parts of Oyo State, particularly around Ogbomoso, where residents welcomed the safe return of the victims.
Opposition political parties and prominent Nigerians also welcomed the rescue while urging the Federal Government to strengthen security measures to prevent similar attacks on schools and communities across the country.
