PHOTOS: How we rescued 44 Oriire pupils, teachers after month-long joint operation— Army 

Troops of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have rescued 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, following a month-long intelligence-led operation.

The victims were abducted on Friday, 15 May 2026 and were released unconditionally on Friday, 10 July 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, said the rescue was achieved through a carefully planned and coordinated operation.

According to the statement, the operation involved special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, specifically the National Counter Terrorism Centre, NCTC, as well as Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, DSS, National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and local vigilantes, hunters and the Amotekun Corps.

The GOC said the operation, which focused on Old Oyo National Park Forest and other parts of the country, targeted terrorist kingpins behind the abduction, and aimed to dismantle their networks, logistics links, informants and hideouts.

“Multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states in the country. These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

The Army noted that the operations were executed to avoid collateral damage and ensure the safe rescue of the innocent children and teachers. It added that there were some casualties on the part of security forces.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunion with their families.

Major General Nnebeife, on behalf of all participating agencies, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for “strategic guidance, support and provisions” that made the operation successful.

He also thanked Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, other Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police, and heads of DSS and NIA for their support and coordination.

The GOC urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to safeguard lives and property across Nigeria.