By Bukola Hameed
Details have emerged on how troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife, successfully rescued forty-four pupils and teachers who were abducted by terrorists from the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.
The successful rescue operation, executed on 10 July 2026, was achieved through a highly sophisticated, intelligence-led campaign that serves as a testament to unprecedented inter-agency collaboration. The mission was conducted in close partnership with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, specifically the National Counter Terrorism Center, alongside Defence Headquarters Special Forces elements drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The operation also heavily involved the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes, hunters, and the Amotekun Corps.
The surgical operation, which spanned more than a month, focused heavily on identifying the terrorist kingpins who masterminded the abduction. Security forces successfully dismantled the criminals’ logistics links, arrested key informants, and neutralized hideouts concentrated within the dense Old Oyo National Park Forest and other strategic locations across various states.
These coordinated arrests completely disorganized the criminal group and exerted overwhelming, relentless pressure on them, ultimately forcing the terrorists to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further clearance operations are currently underway.
Military leadership emphasized that the mission was meticulously planned and executed to prevent collateral damage and guarantee the safety of the innocent children and teachers. However, the victory came at a cost, as security forces sustained some casualties among their gallant personnel during the intense campaign.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving comprehensive medical attention and psychological support at an undisclosed hospital. They will be formally handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course to be safely reunited with their families.
On behalf of all participating security agencies, Major General CR Nnebeife expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his strategic guidance, unwavering support, and the provisions that made the operation a historic success.
The General Officer Commanding also extended his appreciation to the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, and the resilient people of the state for their steadfast support during this trying period.
Furthermore, he thanked the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, all Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, the Directors General of the Department of State Services and National Intelligence Agency, and the heads of all collaborating agencies for ensuring seamless coordination.
The Nigerian military sincerely thanks the various media houses and the entire Nigerian populace for their patience, understanding, and faith in the nation’s security architecture. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and to continue aiding security agencies by providing timely, credible information to support ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across Nigeria.
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