Army Reveals How Month-Long Intelligence Operation Rescued 44 Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers

The Nigerian Army has revealed that a carefully coordinated month-long intelligence operation involving multiple security agencies led to the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Naijapunchnews reports that the victims, who spent 56 days in captivity, regained their freedom on Friday after sustained pressure was mounted on the suspected Ansaru terrorist network responsible for the abduction.

According to the Army, the rescue mission was not a single-day operation but the culmination of weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance, coordinated raids, and strategic operations aimed at dismantling the terrorist group’s operational structure.

The details were contained in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, a few hours after the victims regained their freedom.

Joint Security Operation

The Army disclosed that the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, and involved a broad coalition of security and intelligence agencies.

Among the participating agencies were special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, and personnel drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigeria Police Force.

Other agencies that participated included the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Amotekun Corps, as well as local vigilantes and hunters who provided community-based intelligence.

The Army stated:

“Following an intelligence-led, carefully planned and executed operation on 10 July 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, specifically the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy, the Air Force and the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun, in a well-coordinated operation rescued a total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.”

Operation Targeted Terrorist Network

The military explained that the mission extended far beyond locating the abducted victims. According to the statement, security operatives focused on identifying the masterminds behind the kidnapping, dismantling their support networks, cutting off their logistics channels, and uncovering their informants.

The operation also targeted terrorist camps and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other locations across Nigeria.

According to the Army:

“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.”

Multiple Arrests Forced Terrorists to Release Victims

The Army revealed that several suspects linked to the terrorist network were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation.

It said the arrests significantly disrupted the group’s activities, weakened its operational capabilities, and mounted sustained pressure on the terrorists.

According to the military, the pressure eventually compelled the kidnappers to release the pupils and teachers unconditionally.

The statement added:

“As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states in the country.

“These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted.”

Security Personnel Recorded Casualties

While describing the operation as successful, the Army disclosed that some security personnel paid the ultimate price during the mission.

According to the military, the operation was carefully planned to ensure that the victims were rescued without harm to civilians, although casualties were recorded among members of the security forces.

“However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement noted.

The Army did not disclose the number of personnel killed or injured during the operation.

Victims Undergoing Medical Evaluation

Following their rescue, the pupils and teachers were taken to an undisclosed medical facility for comprehensive medical examinations and treatment.

The Army said they would be handed over to the Oyo State Government after receiving the necessary medical attention before being reunited with their families.

Army Commends Tinubu, Makinde, Security Agencies

On behalf of all agencies involved in the operation, Maj. Gen. Nnebeife expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for what he described as strategic leadership and unwavering support throughout the rescue mission.

He also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and other service chiefs for their contributions to the operation.

The GOC further acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the Directors-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), as well as the leadership of other participating security organisations.

The Army also thanked members of the media and the general public for their cooperation, urging Nigerians to continue providing timely and credible intelligence that would assist security agencies in combating terrorism and other criminal activities.

It assured Nigerians that follow-up operations are already underway to apprehend the remaining members of the terrorist network, dismantle their infrastructure completely, and prevent future attacks on schools and communities across the country.