The Nigerian Army has revealed that the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State was the outcome of a month-long intelligence-driven operation involving multiple military, intelligence and security agencies.

The victims, who spent 56 days in captivity after their abduction on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on Friday following sustained operations against suspected Ansaru terrorists operating within the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding areas.

The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, disclosed the details in a statement issued shortly after the successful operation, describing the mission as a carefully coordinated effort aimed at dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the attack.

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According to the Army, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, who coordinated the intelligence-led campaign with support from several national security agencies.

The mission brought together special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.

The military explained that the operation, which lasted for more than one month, focused on identifying the masterminds of the abduction, dismantling their logistics networks, tracking informants and destroying hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other locations across the country.

“As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states in the country. These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the Army stated.

The military added that further operations would continue to apprehend other members of the terrorist network and prevent future attacks.

Security Forces Recorded Casualties During Mission

While confirming the successful rescue, the Army disclosed that some security personnel lost their lives or sustained injuries during the operation.

It explained that the mission was deliberately planned to minimise collateral damage and ensure the safe recovery of the abducted pupils and teachers.

Following their rescue, the victims were taken to an undisclosed medical facility for examination and treatment before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunion with their families.

Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, who directed the operation, currently serves as the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, headquartered at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment in Ibadan.

He assumed command of the division on August 19, 2025, succeeding Major General Obinna Onubogu, and pledged to strengthen operational effectiveness while prioritising troop welfare.

Beyond his role as GOC, Nnebeife also serves as Force Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMA Sector 3, one of the Nigerian Army’s major internal security operations established to combat terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.

Before leading the Oriire rescue mission, he supervised successful military operations in the Babasango Forest area of Kwara State, where kidnapped victims were rescued.

 Intelligence, Air Surveillance and Local Support Proved Crucial

The Army noted that the operation relied heavily on intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration.

Personnel from the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service, Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces, Nigerian Army Special Operations units, trained snipers and the Police Intelligence Response Team participated in the mission.

The DSS also deployed its Special Tactical and Anti-Terrorism Team, while the Nigerian Air Force provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to monitor suspected terrorist camps and movement within the forests.

Local hunters, vigilantes and Amotekun operatives played a significant role by providing valuable knowledge of the terrain and assisting security forces in locating hideouts.

According to the Army, the sustained pressure mounted through arrests, intelligence operations and the disruption of the terrorists’ logistics network ultimately forced the abductors to release the victims without conditions.

Major General Nnebeife, on behalf of all participating agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic direction and operational support that contributed to the success of the mission.

He also acknowledged the support of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, 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, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as the media and members of the public for their cooperation throughout the operation.

The Army urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to strengthen efforts aimed at combating terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.