One Month Operation Led To Rescue Of Oyo School Children, Teachers – Army

By Ayodele Oni

It has been revealed that troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife, headed the operation which led to the rescue of the abducted Oriire school children and teachers in Oyo state.

The operation was carried out alongside special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, 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), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun personnel.

The Nigerian Army also disclosed that the operation was the result of a month-long, intelligence-driven joint security operation involving multiple agencies.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the carefully planned operation, which culminated on July 10, 2026, focused on tracking and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction of the pupils and teachers on May 15, 2026.

“Security forces targeted the kidnappers’ kingpins, logistics networks, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.”

The statement disclosed that multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the criminal network and mounting sustained pressure that eventually forced the terrorists to unconditionally release the victims.

It added that follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the group.

The Army explained that the operation was deliberately executed with precision to avoid collateral damage and ensure the safe rescue of the children and teachers, although some security personnel sustained casualties during the mission.

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

The GOC, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support, which he said contributed significantly to the success of the operation.

He also thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, and heads of other security agencies for their cooperation and seamless coordination throughout the operation.

The Army further commended the media and Nigerians for their patience and confidence in the nation’s security architecture, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing efforts to protect lives and property across the country.