The rescued 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026 are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital, the Nigerian Army has confirmed.
The victims were rescued on Thursday, July 10, 2026 following a month-long, intelligence-led and well-coordinated operation in the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other parts of the country.
According to a statement by Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, the rescue was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army, 2 Division led by Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC), Defence Headquarters Special Forces, Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, NIA, NSCDC, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun.
The Army said the operation focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the abduction and dismantling their networks and hideouts. Multiple arrests made across Oyo and other states “completely disorganized the group” and ultimately forced them to unconditionally release the abductees.
Authorities confirmed that after medical checks, the rescued pupils and teachers will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course for reunification with their families.
The operation, the GOC said, was carefully planned to avoid collateral damage, though there were some casualties on the part of security forces.
Major General Nnebeife, on behalf of all participating agencies, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and all Service Chiefs and security agencies for their support that made the rescue possible.
He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies.
Further operations are ongoing to track down remaining members of the terrorist group.
