Rescue efforts by Nigerian security forces have secured the release of 44 abducted Oyo school pupils and teachers, who are now receiving medical treatment before being reunited with their families.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that the 44 school pupils and teachers rescued after being abducted in Oyo State are receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital and will soon be reunited with their families.
The update was contained in a statement issued on Saturday, July 11, 2026, by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah.
According to Jonah, the rescued victims will be handed over to the Oyo State Government after receiving medical care.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the successful rescue followed carefully planned intelligence-led operations conducted by troops of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife.
The operation was carried out jointly with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, as well as the Nigeria Police Force.
Other participating agencies included the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilantes, hunters and the Amotekun Corps.
Jonah disclosed that all 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15 were rescued without any harm to the victims.
He noted, however, that some members of the security forces sustained casualties during the month-long operation.
“The operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued, but there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” he stated.
The Army spokesman said the operation focused on identifying the terrorist leaders responsible for the abduction, dismantling their operational networks and logistics chain, and uncovering their informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest.
He added that multiple suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the criminal network and mounting sustained pressure on the kidnappers.
According to Jonah, the coordinated security operations ultimately forced the terrorist group to unconditionally release the abducted pupils and teachers.
He said the General Officer Commanding commended President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic leadership and support that contributed to the success of the operation, while also appreciating Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
Jonah further said the GOC expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as heads of other security agencies for their collaboration and seamless coordination throughout the rescue operation.
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