Reported by: Ruth . J
The Nigerian Army has disclosed that some security personnel suffered casualties during the month-long intelligence-led operation that resulted in the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The military said the operation was carefully planned and executed to secure the freedom of the victims while avoiding further harm to the children and teachers held by the armed group.
On Friday, July 10, 2026, the Nigerian authorities announced the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers after they spent more than 50 days in captivity following the May 15, 2026 attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims were taken from three schools during a coordinated assault that shocked residents of the area and renewed concerns over the spread of kidnapping activities into Nigeria’s South-West region.
The rescue operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, in collaboration with several security and intelligence agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilantes, hunters and members of the Amotekun Corps.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the military operation lasted for more than one month and focused on dismantling the criminal network responsible for the abduction. The Army said troops targeted the group’s leadership structure, logistics channels, informants and hideouts, including areas around the Old Oyo National Park forest.
The military explained that sustained pressure from security forces weakened the kidnappers’ operational capacity and eventually forced the group to release the victims unconditionally. Several arrests were reportedly made in Oyo State and other locations during the operation, disrupting the network believed to be behind the attack.
However, while confirming the successful rescue mission, the Army revealed that some members of the security forces paid a price during the operation. The military stated that although the mission was designed to prevent casualties among the abducted pupils and teachers, “there were some casualties on the part of the security forces.” Details about the number of personnel affected and their identities were not immediately disclosed.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting pupils and teachers and taking them into surrounding forest areas. The incident became one of the most serious school kidnapping cases in southern Nigeria, with security analysts warning that criminal groups were expanding their operations beyond traditional areas of insecurity in the northern part of the country.
The attack generated widespread public concern, with parents and community leaders repeatedly calling for urgent government intervention. Families of the victims spent weeks waiting for updates while security agencies intensified efforts to locate the abducted children and their teachers.
Following the rescue announcement, President Bola Tinubu praised the security agencies involved, describing the operation as a major breakthrough that ended the prolonged suffering of the victims and their families. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga also confirmed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while other members of the group were reportedly neutralised.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also expressed relief over the development, thanking President Tinubu, the military, police, DSS and other security agencies involved in securing the freedom of the pupils and teachers. Makinde had earlier stated that the abduction was the first major school kidnapping incident recorded in the state during his seven years in office.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed medical facility before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government. Security authorities said follow-up operations would continue to track remaining members of the criminal network and prevent further attacks.
The incident has again placed national attention on the challenge of protecting schools and communities from armed groups. Security experts have continued to emphasise the importance of intelligence sharing, cooperation between agencies and stronger community-based security systems in responding to Nigeria’s growing kidnapping crisis.
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