Army Reveals How 44 Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Were Rescued After 56 Days

The Nigerian Army has disclosed that an intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

 

The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity.

 

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the Army said the operation lasted for more than a month and targeted the terrorists’ networks, logistics routes and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.

 

The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, Special Forces units, the police, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.

 

The Army said the operation focused on identifying the masterminds of the abduction, dismantling their support networks and arresting informants linked to the terrorist group.

 

It stated that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the activities of the group and mounting pressure that eventually forced the terrorists to release the victims.

 

The statement added that the operation was carefully executed to ensure the safe recovery of the pupils and teachers without causing harm to them, although some security personnel sustained casualties.

 

“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,” the Army said.

 

The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

 

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 Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

 

Earlier reports indicated that 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken during the attack, while one teacher, Joel Adesiyan, was killed while attempting to escape. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed in captivity.

 

Meanwhile, the Army’s figure of 44 rescued victims differs from earlier accounts of 46 people abducted, as it remains unclear whether the latest figure excludes the two teachers who died.

 

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also confirmed the rescue, saying all the abducted pupils and teachers had been freed.

 

He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several members of the gang were neutralised during the operation.

 

Onanuga said the rescue was achieved without the Federal Government granting the terrorists’ demand for the release of a Boko Haram commander facing terrorism charges.

 

President Bola Tinubu also confirmed the victims’ release, stating that no ransom was paid and no concession was made to the kidnappers.

 

Tinubu directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care and support for the rescued victims, while promising that those responsible for the attack would face justice.

 

The rescue sparked celebrations among residents, travellers and passers-by in parts of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, following weeks of anxiety over the fate of the victims.

 

Opposition parties and other stakeholders also welcomed the development, while urging the Federal Government to strengthen security measures to prevent a recurrence.