The Nigerian Army has detailed how its troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, successfully rescued pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.

According to the Army, the victims regained their freedom following a carefully planned, intelligence-led operation that lasted over a month. The mission targeted the kidnappers’ network, logistics chain, and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park and other parts of the country.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife. It involved a joint effort by troops of the Nigerian Army, alongside operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, and Special Forces units from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Nigeria Police.

Other participating agencies included the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters, and the Amotekun Corps.

The Army confirmed that a total of 44 abducted pupils and teachers were rescued during the operation conducted on July 10, 2026.

The statement explained that the mission focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins responsible for the abduction, dismantling their operational networks, and apprehending their informants.

“As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and across other locations in the country. 

These arrests disrupted the group’s activities, exerted significant pressure on them, and ultimately forced the terrorists to unconditionally release the captives,” the Army said.

While the operation ensured the safe rescue of the victims without collateral damage, the Army acknowledged that there were casualties among security personnel.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed facility before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

The GOC, on behalf of all participating agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support. He also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and heads of other security agencies for their contributions to the success of the operation.

The Army further thanked media organisations and Nigerians for their support and urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to aid ongoing security operations.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA. Initial reports indicated that 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken during the attack.

Tragically, the assistant headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, was killed during the incident, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was murdered while in captivity.

Although the Army reported rescuing 44 victims, earlier figures suggested that 46 individuals were abducted, raising questions about whether the total excludes the two teachers who lost their lives.

Confirming the development, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that all the kidnapped pupils and teachers had been rescued. He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the DSS, while several others were neutralised during the operation.

He also revealed that the rescue was achieved without meeting the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a Boko Haram kingpin on trial for terrorism.

President Tinubu, in a separate statement, affirmed that the victims were freed alive and unharmed, stressing that no ransom was paid and no concessions were made. He pledged that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and the family of the slain teacher, Michael Oyedokun.

The President further directed emergency response agencies to collaborate with the Oyo State Government in providing medical care and relief support to the rescued victims.

Following the rescue, residents in Ogbomoso and surrounding areas reportedly celebrated the safe return of the victims. Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, also welcomed the development while urging the Federal Government to strengthen security measures to prevent future occurrences.