The Nigerian Army has revealed details of the operation that led to the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.

Military authorities said the victims regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation that targeted the network behind the abduction and dismantled key elements of the group responsible for the attack.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, said the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, alongside personnel drawn from several security and intelligence agencies.

According to the Army, a total of 44 abducted pupils and teachers were rescued during the operation.

The military explained that security operatives spent weeks gathering intelligence, tracking suspects and identifying the hideouts used by the kidnappers. Investigations reportedly focused on uncovering those who planned the abduction, their informants and the logistics network supporting their activities.

The statement said, “Following an intelligence-led, carefully planned and executed operation on 10 July 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), specifically the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy, the Air Force and the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun, in a well-coordinated operation rescued a total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.

“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, busting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State.”

The Army disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation. The arrests reportedly weakened the group and disrupted its activities, leading to the release of the captives.

Military authorities added that the mission was carefully executed to ensure the safe recovery of the victims. However, some security personnel were said to have sustained casualties during the operation.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga also confirmed the development, stating that all the abducted victims had been rescued by security agencies. He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services.

Onanuga further revealed that the Federal Government did not meet any demands from the kidnappers, including requests linked to the release of a terror suspect facing prosecution.

President Bola Tinubu, while reacting to the rescue, said the victims were freed alive and unharmed. He stressed that “no ransom was paid” and “no concession was made.”

The President directed relevant agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care, counselling and other support for the rescued pupils and teachers. He also vowed that those responsible for the killings connected to the abduction would face justice.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15 after armed men invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

Sadly, The attack claimed the life of a school administrator, Joel Adesiyan, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed while in captivity.