ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has explained how security operatives secured the release of the students and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the military said the victims were rescued through intelligence-driven, carefully planned and coordinated operations.
According to the statement, the rescue operation carried out on July 10, 2026, involved troops of the Nigerian Army under the command of the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife, working alongside specialised units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, particularly the National Counter Terrorism Center, the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun.
READ ALSO:Igboho Threatens To Expose Politicians Behind Oyo Kidnappings
A total of 44 pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026, were rescued on Friday.
The Army said the month-long operation focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their operational networks and logistics, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest in Oyo State.
It added that several arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation, significantly weakening the group, increasing pressure on its members and eventually forcing them to release the pupils and teachers unconditionally.
The military also disclosed that further operations would be conducted.
“It is important to emphasize that the operations were meticulously planned and executed to minimize collateral damage and to ensure the safe rescue of the innocent children and teachers. However, there were some casualties among the security forces,” the statement concluded.
“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.”