The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says troops are making significant progress in ongoing rescue operations for 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers in Oyo, while highlighting military successes against insurgency, banditry and crude oil theft nationwide.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has disclosed that Nigerian troops are making significant progress in the ongoing operation to rescue 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.
Shaibu made the disclosure during an interactive session with media executives on Saturday in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to the army chief, security forces remain optimistic that the operation will end with the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” Shaibu said.
He noted that the Nigerian Army remains actively engaged in security operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to address evolving threats.
Army Records Gains Against Insurgents, Bandits
Highlighting operations in the North East, Shaibu said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded major successes against insurgents and terrorists.
He revealed that the operation recently neutralised a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners.
According to him, troops have neutralised more than 1,872 insurgents, while many other terrorists have voluntarily surrendered.
Shaibu added that the improved security situation had enabled displaced persons to return to their communities, pointing to the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Bama, Borno State.
In the North West, he said Operation Fansan Yamma had continued to weaken bandit groups through sustained military offensives and the recovery of weapons.
He also highlighted the impact of Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield in improving security across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi states.
The COAS said security had improved considerably in the South East, noting that no major disruptions were recorded during the last Christmas celebrations.
He also credited military operations in the South South with improving Nigeria’s oil production by combating illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Shaibu described the South West as one of the country’s most peaceful regions, apart from the recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State.
FG Expands Army Recruitment and Equipment
The army chief announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved measures to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s manpower to meet emerging security challenges.
He disclosed that a new Nigerian Army Depot had been established in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the total number of army depots to three alongside those in Zaria, Kaduna State, and Osogbo, Osun State.
According to him, the three depots 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 further disclosed that the Army had reviewed its training curriculum to emphasise marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
He added that recruits now undergo approximately 11 months of intensive military training, while the Army had acquired armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to boost operational effectiveness.
The COAS said personnel were also receiving 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 said.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting the country and responding decisively to emerging security threats.
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