The Nigerian Army has revealed how a coordinated intelligence-led operation led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity. The operation, carried out on July 10, involved multiple security agencies and local security outfits.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the Army said the rescue followed more than a month of sustained intelligence gathering and tactical operations led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife.
According to the Army, the operation brought together personnel from the Nigerian Army, the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from the 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 statement explained that security operatives concentrated on identifying the terrorist leaders behind the abduction, dismantling their operational network, disrupting their logistics chain, and uncovering their informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other locations across the country.
The Army disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria during the operation. It said the arrests significantly weakened the terrorist group’s structure, mounted intense pressure on its members, and ultimately forced them to release the abducted pupils and teachers unconditionally. It added that follow-up operations are still ongoing.
Military authorities stated that the operation was carefully planned and executed to ensure the safe recovery of the victims without collateral damage. However, the Army acknowledged that some members of the security forces sustained casualties during the mission, although no further details were provided.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before they are handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families. The GOC expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support, which he said contributed to the successful outcome of the operation.
Major General Nnebeife 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 other participating security agencies for their cooperation. He equally thanked the media and members of the public for providing useful information and urged Nigerians to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activities.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when gunmen 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. Initial reports indicated that 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted, while Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan was killed during the attack and another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded in captivity.
Although the Army announced the rescue of 44 victims, earlier official records listed 46 abductees, suggesting the figure may exclude the two teachers who lost their lives. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga later confirmed that all surviving victims had been rescued.
