Army Reveals How 44 Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Regained Freedom After 56 Days in Captivity
The Nigerian Army has explained how a coordinated intelligence-driven operation led to the successful 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.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the military said the rescue followed more than one month of sustained operations targeting the kidnappers’ network, logistics chain, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.
The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
According to the Army, intelligence gathering and coordinated raids led to the arrest of several suspects in Oyo State and other parts of the country, significantly weakening the terrorist network.
“These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement said.
The Army disclosed that the operation was carefully executed to ensure the safe recovery of the victims while minimizing civilian casualties, although some security personnel lost their lives during the mission.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.
Major General Nnebeife expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic direction and support throughout the operation. He 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 all security agencies and local collaborators for their roles in the successful rescue.
The victims were abducted 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. During the attack, Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan was killed while attempting to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later murdered in captivity.
Although the Army confirmed the rescue of 44 victims, earlier official records had indicated that 46 people—39 pupils and seven teachers—were abducted, suggesting the figure excludes the two teachers who lost their lives.
