How Military-Led Operation Crushed Kidnap Ring, Freed 44 Oyo Pupils, Teachers
The Nigerian military, in collaboration with other security and intelligence agencies, has successfully rescued all 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, following a painstaking month-long intelligence-led operation that dismantled the terrorists’ network operating within the Old Oyo National Park and other parts of the country.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when terrorists attacked the Ahoro-Esiele community, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of schools.
Announcing the breakthrough on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the rescue was the outcome of carefully planned and professionally executed operations led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife.
According to the statement, the operation brought together personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), including the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the 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 the Amotekun Corps.
The military disclosed that the operation focused on identifying and neutralising the kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their logistics network, and exposing their informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest and other locations.
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Security forces reportedly carried out coordinated raids that led to multiple arrests in Oyo State and several other states. The sustained pressure, according to the military, crippled the criminal network and ultimately compelled the terrorists to unconditionally release the abducted pupils and teachers.
The statement noted that the operation was deliberately designed to ensure the safe recovery of the hostages while minimising collateral damage. However, it disclosed that some security personnel paid the ultimate price during the operation, underscoring the risks undertaken to secure the victims’ freedom.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The GOC, on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the strategic direction, support and resources that contributed to the success of the operation.
He also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of the state for their unwavering support to security agencies throughout the operation.
The military further acknowledged the contributions of 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 the heads of other security agencies for fostering the seamless inter-agency coordination that made the mission successful.
While thanking Nigerians and the media for their patience, understanding and confidence in the nation’s security architecture, the military urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.