The Nigerian military has disclosed that the unconditional release of pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State was made possible after security forces arrested several members of the criminal network operating in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
The victims, who were abducted on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on July 10 following what the military described as a carefully coordinated intelligence-driven operation involving multiple security and intelligence agencies.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, the rescue mission was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General C.R. Nnebeife.
The operation was conducted in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces drawn from 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 military explained that the operation, which lasted for more than one month, focused on identifying and dismantling the criminal network responsible for the kidnapping.
“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 read.
It added that the arrest of several suspects disrupted the activities of the kidnapping syndicate and weakened its operational capacity.
According to the military, the sustained pressure mounted by security forces eventually compelled the kidnappers to release the victims without making any demands.
The statement said the arrests “completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers.”
The military emphasised that the rescue operation was meticulously planned to ensure the safety of the abducted children and teachers while minimising risks to innocent civilians.
“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 added, without providing further details about the casualties.
Following their rescue, the victims were taken to an undisclosed medical facility, where they are currently receiving treatment and undergoing medical evaluation.
The military stated that after the necessary medical procedures are completed, the rescued pupils and teachers will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
Major General Nnebeife commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic leadership and support throughout the operation.
He also expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting security agencies during the rescue mission.
The GOC further 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, the service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and the NIA, as well as other participating security organisations, for ensuring effective collaboration throughout the operation.
The military equally thanked members of the media and the Nigerian public for their support during the operation.
It urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies to strengthen ongoing efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across the country.
