The 2 Division, Nigerian Army, says the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, have been rescued and are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah, said the victims would soon be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
“The pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course so as to be reunited with their families,” he said.
According to Jonah, the rescue followed carefully planned and intelligence-led operations led by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife.
He said the operation was conducted jointly with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, and Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and the Nigeria Police.
Other agencies involved included the Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and the Amotekun Corps.
Jonah stated that the month-long operation focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their networks, logistics links, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.
“Multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states in the country during the operation.
These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” he said.
The Army spokesman noted that the operations were executed to avoid collateral damage, and all 44 victims were rescued without harm, though there were some casualties on the part of security forces.
He said the GOC 2 Division thanked President Bola Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support, and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for his cooperation.
Appreciation was also extended to 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; and the Directors General of DSS and NIA for their support in ensuring seamless coordination.
The abducted pupils and teachers were taken on May 15, 2026, from Oriire LGA. They were rescued on Friday, July 10, after 56 days in captivity.
