The Nigerian military on Saturday disclosed that some security personnel suffered casualties during the month-long joint operation that resulted in the successful rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted from the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims, who were initially kidnapped by armed men on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on July 10 following what military authorities described as an intelligence-led, carefully coordinated offensive involving multiple security and intelligence agencies. The multi-agency operation was spearheaded by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, working in close collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre. Other participating institutions included the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Oyo State Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters.
In an official statement released on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, the military explained that the tactical campaign focused primarily on dismantling the operational networks and logistics channels utilized by the kidnappers within the Old Oyo National Park and various other locations across the federation. According to the statement, security operatives executed multiple strategic arrests within Oyo State and other parts of the country, severely disrupting the illicit activities of the criminal network and leaving them with no option but to release the captives.
Detailing the focus of the extensive security operation, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma noted that the exercises targeted the core structures of the criminal ring. The statement said, "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 military spokesman added that the coordinated arrests "completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers."
The military emphasized that the entire operation was planned with a high degree of precision to guarantee that the victims were safely extracted while completely minimizing risks to innocent lives. Highlighting the tactical execution, the statement read, "It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces," The military statement did not provide specific details regarding the exact number or identity of the security personnel who lost their lives or sustained injuries during the active gun battles.
According to the security brief, the rescued schoolchildren and their teachers are currently receiving comprehensive medical treatment and psychological evaluation at an undisclosed medical facility to aid their recovery from the trauma of captivity. Upon completion of their clinical checkups, the victims will be formally handed over to the Oyo State Government to facilitate their safe reunification with their respective families.
The General Officer Commanding, Major General Nnebeife, commended President Bola Tinubu for providing essential strategic guidance and administrative support throughout the execution of the rescue mission, while also expressing appreciation to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for his continuous support to the security agencies operating within the state. Furthermore, the GOC acknowledged the vital contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and other service chiefs. He extended similar appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency, and the heads of all other participating security formations for maintaining exceptional operational synergy. The military authorities concluded by thanking the media and the general public for their solidarity, urging citizens to remain highly vigilant and consistently share credible, timely intelligence with security agencies to protect lives and property nationwide.
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