The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has disclosed that troops are making significant progress toward rescuing the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in the local government area.
Shaibu made the disclosure during an interactive session with media executives on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue the children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the Army Chief said.
He expressed confidence that the operation would lead to the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remained actively involved in security operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to address various security challenges.
Speaking on operations in the North East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded significant successes against insurgents and terrorists.
According to him, the operation recently neutralised a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners.
“Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised over 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists have surrendered to our troops,” he said.
Shaibu said improved security had enabled displaced persons to return to their communities, pointing to the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Bama, Borno State.
In the North West, he said Operation Fansan Yamma had continued its offensive against bandit groups through the neutralisation of criminal elements and the recovery of weapons.
The Army Chief also highlighted the efforts of Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield in the North Central region.
He said the operations had improved security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger, and parts of Kogi State.
Speaking on the South East, Shaibu said the security situation had improved, noting that there were no reported security disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations.
“In the South South, the nation’s oil output has improved, which is a testament to the success of operations against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, and pipeline vandalism,” he said.
Shaibu described the South West as one of the country’s most peaceful regions, aside from the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.
The Army Chief also announced that the Federal Government had approved measures to strengthen military manpower to address emerging security threats.
He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the total number of Army depots to three.
According to him, the depots in Zaria, Kaduna State; Osogbo, Osun State; and Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, are expected to recruit and train 28,000 young Nigerians.
“I recently directed the recruitment of 28,000 young Nigerians to enhance manpower for our various operations across the country.
“So far, the Zaria depot has graduated 6,000 soldiers, Osogbo has graduated 5,000, while Amasiri-Edda will soon graduate 3,000, bringing the total to 14,000,” he said.
Shaibu also said the Army had reviewed its training curriculum to place greater emphasis on marksmanship, counter-insurgency, and counter-terrorism operations.
He said recruits now undergo about 11 months of intensive military training, including advanced infantry and acclimatisation exercises.
The Chief of Army Staff further disclosed that the Army had acquired armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles, and unmanned aerial vehicles to strengthen its operational capabilities.
He added that personnel had been sent for specialised training both within and outside Nigeria to improve their ability to operate modern military equipment.
“The acquisition of armed and surveillance drones, alongside enhanced aviation capabilities, has improved response times and operational success across theatres of operation,” he added.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting the country and responding effectively to security challenges across Nigeria.
