The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says troops are making significant progress in efforts to rescue 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.

Shaibu disclosed this during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to the Army Chief, operations to secure their release are ongoing.

“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the victims would be safely rescued and reunited with their families.

Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remains actively engaged in security operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to address evolving threats.

On the North-East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded major successes against insurgents, including the reported neutralisation of an Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners.

He added that the operation had neutralised more than 1,800 insurgents, while many others had surrendered to troops.

According to him, the improved security situation has enabled displaced persons to return home, citing the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Bama, Borno State.

In the North-West, Shaibu said Operation Fansan Yamma had continued to weaken bandit groups through sustained offensives and the recovery of weapons.

He also highlighted ongoing operations in the North-Central, including Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and Savannah Shield, which he said have improved security across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi states.

In the South-East, the Army Chief said security had improved considerably, noting that there were no reported disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations.

He also said military operations against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism had contributed to increased oil production in the South-South.

Describing the South-West as one of the country’s most peaceful regions, Shaibu said the recent school abduction in Oyo remains an isolated but serious security concern.

The Army Chief further disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the total number of army depots to three.

According to him, the depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri-Edda are expected to recruit and train 28,000 soldiers to strengthen the Army’s manpower.

He added that the military has also reviewed its training curriculum to emphasise marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, while investing in armoured vehicles, mine-resistant vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles and specialised training to enhance operational effectiveness.

Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the country and responding effectively to emerging security threats.