The Nigerian Army has revealed how a month-long intelligence-led operation involving troops, security agencies and local security groups led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
The Army said the successful operation targeted the kidnappers’ network, logistics channels and hideouts, eventually forcing the terrorists to release the victims without conditions.
The details were contained in a statement issued shortly after the rescue on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah.
According to the Army, the operation was coordinated by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, and involved close collaboration among several military, intelligence and security agencies.
The Army disclosed that the victims regained their freedom after an intensive operation that lasted for more than one month and extended beyond Oyo State.
The statement said troops of the Nigerian Army worked alongside special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), as well as Special Forces from the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force.
Other participating agencies included the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
According to the Army, the rescue mission was built around credible intelligence gathered over several weeks.
Rather than launching a direct assault that could have endangered the lives of the captives, security forces focused on dismantling the kidnappers’ operations piece by piece.
The Army explained that security personnel identified the suspected leaders of the terrorist group, tracked their logistics network, uncovered their informants and located several hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest and other locations linked to the gang.
The statement said the operation was carefully planned to ensure that the children and teachers were rescued safely.
“Following an intelligence-led, carefully planned and executed operation on July 10, 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army… rescued a total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026,” the statement said.
According to the Army, several suspects were arrested during coordinated operations carried out in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
The arrests, it said, significantly disrupted the activities of the criminal group.
“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. Further operations are to be conducted,” the statement added.
Military authorities said the rescue operation was designed to avoid unnecessary risks to the hostages.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued,” the Army said.
However, it disclosed that some members of the security forces suffered casualties during the operation, although no details were provided.
The Army also confirmed that the rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before they are formally handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The Army praised the cooperation among the various agencies involved in the operation, describing it as an example of the benefits of intelligence sharing and joint security operations.
The GOC, speaking on behalf of all participating security agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic direction and support throughout the operation.
He also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his support during the rescue mission.
Other officials acknowledged by the Army included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; the Chief of Army Staff; other Service Chiefs; the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA; and the heads of other security agencies involved in the operation.
The Army equally thanked media organisations and members of the public for supporting the security agencies during the rescue efforts.
It urged Nigerians to continue providing timely and credible intelligence that could assist ongoing operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
The victims were abducted on May 15 after armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
According to earlier official reports, the attackers kidnapped 39 pupils and seven teachers during the assault, throwing the affected communities into mourning and fear.
The attack also claimed the life of the Assistant Headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, who was reportedly shot while trying to escape from the attackers.
During the victims’ captivity, another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the terrorists, further deepening public outrage over the incident.
The kidnapping prompted a large-scale search operation involving the military, intelligence agencies, police and local security groups.
Governor Seyi Makinde repeatedly assured residents that every effort was being made to secure the victims’ safe release, while families of those abducted appealed for government intervention.
News of the successful rescue was greeted with celebration across Ogbomoso and other parts of Oyo State.
Residents, travellers and passers-by reportedly celebrated as word spread that the pupils and teachers had regained their freedom after 56 days in captivity.
The rescue has also renewed calls for stronger security around schools, particularly in rural communities, where attacks by kidnappers and terrorist groups have become a growing concern.
Although security agencies have recorded several successes against criminal groups in recent months, experts continue to stress the need for improved intelligence gathering, stronger community policing and closer cooperation between security agencies and local residents to prevent future attacks.
For the families of the rescued pupils and teachers, the Army’s operation has brought an end to weeks of anxiety and uncertainty. As the victims receive medical care and prepare to reunite with their loved ones, security agencies say efforts will continue to track down the remaining members of the terrorist network and ensure they are brought to justice.