Army Chief: Troops Making ‘Tremendous Progress’ to Rescue 39 Pupils, 7 Teachers Abducted in Oyo

Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu says troops are making “tremendous progress” in efforts to rescue 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.

Shaibu spoke Saturday during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area.

“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” Shaibu said. He expressed confidence the victims would be rescued and reunited with their families.

*Operations nationwide*

The army chief said the Nigerian Army remains engaged in security operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

In the North-East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai have recorded gains against insurgents. He said the operation, in collaboration with U.S. partners, recently neutralized a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu Bilal al-Minuki. 

“Operation Hadin Kai has neutralized over 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists have surrendered to troops,” he said.

Shaibu said improved security has allowed displaced persons to return to their communities, citing the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camp in Bama, Borno State.

In the North-West, he said Operation Fansan Yamma continues operations against bandit groups through the neutralization of criminal elements and recovery of weapons.

He said Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield in the North-Central have improved security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi states.

In the South-East, Shaibu said the security situation has improved, with no reported disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations. 

“In the South-South, the nation’s oil output has improved, which is a testament to the success of operations against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism,” he said.

He described the South-West as one of the most peaceful regions, apart from the recent abduction in Oyo.

*Manpower, equipment boost*

Shaibu announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the total to three. The other depots are in Zaria, Kaduna State, and Osogbo, Osun State.

He said the three depots are expected to recruit and train 28,000 young Nigerians. 

“I recently directed the recruitment of 28,000 young Nigerians to enhance manpower for our various operations across the country,” he said. 

“So far, the Zaria depot has graduated 6,000 soldiers, Osogbo has graduated 5,000, while Amasiri-Edda will soon graduate 3,000, bringing the total to 14,000.”

Shaibu said the Army has reviewed its training curriculum to focus on marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism. Recruits now undergo about 11 months of intensive training, including advanced infantry and acclimatization exercises.

He said the Army has also acquired armored personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Personnel have been sent for specialized training within and outside Nigeria.

“The acquisition of armed and surveillance drones, alongside enhanced aviation capabilities, has improved response times and operational success across theatres of operation,” he said.

Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting the country and responding to security challenges.