By Adesina Soyooye
A release by the Nigerian Army has revealed details of the coordinated security operation which culminated in the rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. They were in captivity for 56 days.
The intelligence-led operation, which concluded on July 10, 2026, involved multiple security and intelligence agencies working together to locate the victims and dismantle the kidnappers’ network.
The Army said the mission was coordinated by Maj. Geeral Chinedu Nnebeife who is the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan.
Major General Nnebeife assumed command of the division on August 19, 2025. He succeeded Major. General Obinna Onubogu. Nnebeife, during his inauguration, pledged to strengthen military operations, and prioritize troop welfare as well as operational effectiveness.
He, also, served as the Force Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMA Sector 3, one of the Nigerian Army’s internal security operations established to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Army disclosed that the agencies involved included:
*Nigerian Army
*Nigerian Navy
*Nigerian Air Force
*Nigerian Police
*Department of State Services (DSS)
*National Intelligence Agency.
*Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
*Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)
*National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC)
*Defence Headquarters
*Amotekun Corp
*Local Vigilantes
*Hunters Familiar with the terrain.
The operation, said the Army, also, featured specialised military and tactical units trained in hostage rescue, counter-terrorism and intelligence operations.
The several specialised formations which supported the operation include:
*Nigerian Navy Special Operations Forces
*Nigerian Army Trained Snipers
*Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service
*Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces
*Police Intelligence Response Team
*DSS Special Tactical and Anti-Terrorism Team
These units worked together to identify the kidnappers, track their movements and disrupt their support network.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support throughout the operation.
The Army said aerial surveillance by the Air Force helped monitor the hideouts of criminals gather intelligence and track activities around locations linked to the abductors.
Not exempted are Local hunters and vigilantes contributed by providing valuable knowledge of the forests and surrounding communities.
The Army said the prolonged operation focused on:
(Special Tactical Units Deployed
The Army said several specified formations supported the operation, including:
*Nigerian Army Special Operations Forces
*Nigerian Army Trained Snipers
*Nigerian Navy Special Operations Forces
*Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service
*Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces
*Police Intelligence Response Team
*DSS Special Tactical and Anti-Terrorism Team
Operation targeted kidnappers network
According to the Army, prolonged operation focused on:
*Locating the abducted pupils and teachers.
*Identifying the kidnappers’ leaders
*Destroying logistics and supply channels
*Arresting collaborators
*Mapping and monitoring suspected hideouts.
According to the military, sustained pressure from the joint security team eventually led to the successful rescue of the victim.
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