Nigerian Army says intelligence-led operation led to the arrest of eight suspects, dismantled terrorist network and secured victims’ release without ransom or concessions.
The Nigerian Army has revealed how a coordinated intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies secured the release of pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the Army said the victims regained their freedom following an operation that lasted more than a month and targeted the kidnappers’ leadership, logistics network, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, after gunmen attacked their school, prompting a large-scale rescue mission coordinated by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife.
The operation involved the Office of the National Security Adviser, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes.
According to the Army, several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country, crippling the terrorist network and forcing the abductors to release the victims unconditionally. The military added that the operation was carefully planned to ensure the safe rescue of the victims without collateral damage, although some security personnel sustained casualties.
The rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.
The Army commended President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, security agencies and residents of Oyo State for their support throughout the rescue operation.
Also confirming the development, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while several others were neutralised during the operation.
He added that the victims were rescued without the Federal Government yielding to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a Boko Haram kingpin currently facing terrorism charges.
President Tinubu also confirmed that all the abducted pupils and teachers were rescued alive and unharmed, describing the operation as a major success in the fight against terrorism.