The Nigerian Army has disclosed that the 44 pupils and teachers rescued from kidnappers in Oyo State are receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital and will soon be reunited with their families after being handed over to the Oyo State Government.
The Army said the victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending nearly two months in captivity, were rescued through a carefully planned intelligence-led operation involving several security agencies and local security groups.
The update was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah, and made available to journalists in Ibadan.
According to the statement, the victims are receiving medical attention to ensure they are in good health before they are reunited with their relatives.
“The pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course so as to be reunited with their families,” Jonah said.
The rescued victims were among those abducted by suspected terrorists on May 15, 2026, while travelling in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The incident shocked residents and renewed concerns over the growing threat of kidnapping in parts of the South-West.
Following the abduction, the Oyo State Government, security agencies and community leaders intensified efforts to secure the release of the victims, while Governor Seyi Makinde repeatedly assured residents that every available resource would be deployed to ensure their safe return.
Providing details of the rescue operation, Jonah said the mission was directed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, and was based on intelligence gathered over several weeks.
He explained that the operation involved close cooperation among military formations, intelligence agencies, the police and local security outfits.
According to him, the rescue mission was jointly carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army, special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters and Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force.
He added that officers of the Nigeria Police Force also played key roles during the operation.
Other agencies that participated included the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun.
Jonah said the combined efforts of the various organisations contributed significantly to the success of the operation.
He disclosed that all 44 kidnapped pupils and teachers were rescued without any harm coming to them during the operation.
According to the Army spokesman, security forces deliberately adopted strategies that prioritised the safety of the victims throughout the mission.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued, but there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” Jonah said.
Although he did not provide details of the casualties suffered by security personnel, he praised the courage and sacrifice of officers involved in the operation.
Jonah further revealed that the rescue mission lasted for more than one month and focused not only on locating the victims but also on dismantling the criminal network responsible for the abduction.
According to him, security operatives worked to identify the suspected leaders of the terrorist group, destroy their logistics network and track down informants who allegedly assisted them.
He said many of the group’s hideouts were traced to the Old Oyo National Park forest, which has increasingly been identified as a hideout for criminal gangs operating in parts of Oyo State and neighbouring areas.
The Army spokesman disclosed that several suspects were arrested during coordinated operations conducted in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
He explained that the arrests disrupted the activities of the criminal group and weakened its operations.
“These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” Jonah said.
The Army believes the operation has dealt a major blow to the network behind the kidnapping and could help prevent similar attacks in the future.
Jonah also said the General Officer Commanding expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing the strategic direction and necessary support that made the operation successful.
He said the GOC also thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for his cooperation and support throughout the rescue efforts.
According to the statement, appreciation was equally extended to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs for their collaboration.
The Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as the heads of other security agencies involved in the operation, were also commended for ensuring effective coordination among the participating organisations.
Jonah said the seamless cooperation among the agencies demonstrated the importance of intelligence sharing and joint operations in tackling terrorism and kidnapping across the country.
The successful rescue has been welcomed by residents of Oyo State, many of whom had followed developments with anxiety since the victims were abducted in May.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of Nigeria’s major security challenges in recent years, affecting schools, highways and rural communities across several states. Although the South-West has experienced fewer school abductions than some northern states, security experts have warned that criminal groups are expanding their operations into new areas.
The rescue of the Oyo pupils and teachers comes at a time when security agencies have intensified operations against terrorist groups, kidnappers and other criminal gangs across the country.
For the families of the rescued victims, the Army’s announcement marks the end of weeks of uncertainty and emotional distress. Their expected reunion with loved ones is likely to bring relief to communities that have lived in fear since the abduction.