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The Nigerian Army has confirmed the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, following a month-long, intelligence-driven joint security operation across parts of the country.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the victims were freed on July 10, 2026, after sustained pressure on the abductors through coordinated military and security actions.

The operation, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife, involved a multi-agency collaboration that included troops of the Nigerian Army, Special Forces units, the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Center, as well as personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives also played key roles.

According to the statement, the rescue followed carefully planned and executed intelligence-led operations that targeted terrorist elements responsible for the abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026. The mission focused on identifying and neutralising the group’s leadership, dismantling its operational networks and disrupting its logistics and informant structures.

Security forces concentrated efforts within the Old Oyo National Park forest and extended operations to other parts of the country where suspects and collaborators were believed to be operating. Multiple arrests were made both within Oyo State and across other states, significantly weakening the group’s capacity.

The Army said the sustained offensive and arrests disorganised the kidnappers and placed them under overwhelming pressure, ultimately forcing them to release the victims unconditionally. It added that follow-up operations are ongoing to track down remaining members of the network and prevent future incidents.

The military emphasised that the operation was designed with utmost caution to avoid civilian casualties and ensure the safety of the abducted pupils and teachers. Despite these precautions, the Army acknowledged that some personnel were injured or lost during the course of the mission, underscoring the risks faced by security forces.

The rescued victims are currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital. Authorities said they will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course for reunification with their families.

The Army leadership commended the cooperation among various security agencies, describing it as critical to the success of the operation. It also highlighted the role of local intelligence and community support in tracking the movement and hideouts of the kidnappers.

Major General Nnebeife, on behalf of participating agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic guidance, support and resources that enabled the success of the operation. He also acknowledged the contributions of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their continued support to security agencies.

The statement further extended gratitude to the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and heads of intelligence agencies for ensuring seamless coordination throughout the operation.

The Army also thanked media organisations and the Nigerian public for their patience and confidence in the country’s security architecture during the period of the abduction.

Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the military urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies. It stressed that public cooperation remains vital in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and criminal activities across the country.