By Seyi Gesinde
July 11, 2026
Fifty six days after terrorists invaded schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, killing a teacher and abducting dozens of pupils and school personnel, the Nigerian Army has revealed how an elaborate intelligence driven operation dismantled the kidnappers’ network and compelled them to unconditionally release all 44 surviving victims.
The Army disclosed that rather than launching a risky frontal assault that could have endangered the hostages, security forces spent more than one month painstakingly identifying the terrorist leaders, tracking their movements, disrupting their logistics, arresting key collaborators and systematically destroying their operational network before the captives eventually regained their freedom on Friday, July 10.
The breakthrough ended weeks of anxiety for families, intense public concern across the country and one of the most significant school related terrorist attacks recorded in Nigeria’s South West.
Details of the operation were contained in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
Terrorists struck schools, killed teacher
The crisis began on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed terrorists attacked schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The assailants killed one of the teachers during the attack before forcing 44 pupils and teachers into the surrounding forests.
The incident immediately triggered a massive security response involving the military, intelligence agencies, police and local security outfits, amid fears that terrorist groups were extending their operations into Nigeria’s South West.
For nearly two months, the abductees remained in captivity as security agencies quietly intensified surveillance, gathered intelligence and tracked the terrorists across difficult forest terrain.
While relatives desperately awaited positive news, government officials repeatedly appealed for patience, insisting that ongoing rescue efforts would not be jeopardised.
Months of planning preceded rescue
Providing the first comprehensive account of the operation, the Army said the rescue was the culmination of carefully synchronised intelligence and tactical operations involving virtually every major security institution in the country.
According to the statement: “Following an intelligence led, carefully planned and executed operations, 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, specifically the National Counter Terrorism Center, the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy, the Air Force and the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, 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.”
ALSO READ: 56 days after: Relief as kidnapped Oyo pupils, teachers regain freedom
The operation brought together troops from the Armed Forces, specialised counter terrorism units, intelligence agencies, conventional police personnel, civil defence operatives, Amotekun Corps, local hunters and community vigilantes under a unified command.
Old Oyo National Park became terrorists’ operational base
The Army said investigators deliberately focused on dismantling the criminal organisation instead of merely locating the hostages.
According to the statement: “The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists’ kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State.”
The disclosure indicates that the terrorists had established an organised operational structure inside the expansive Old Oyo National Park Forest, complete with logistics channels, informants and concealed hideouts that enabled them to evade security forces.
Military planners therefore concentrated on destroying every component of that structure before moving to secure the victims.
Arrests across several states crippled kidnappers
The Army revealed that the operation extended far beyond Oyo State, leading to coordinated arrests in several parts of the country.
According to the statement: “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 disorganized 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 military’s account suggests that the kidnappers were effectively isolated after losing critical members of their network, making it impossible to sustain the hostage operation.
Even though the captives have regained their freedom, the Army indicated that the wider counter terrorism operation remains ongoing.
Why troops avoided a direct confrontation
The military explained that every phase of the operation was designed around one overriding objective, rescuing the victims alive.
According to the statement: “It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued.”
The Army, however, acknowledged that the mission came at a price.
It added: “However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces.”
No additional details were released regarding the casualties.
Victims receiving treatment before reunion
The Army said the rescued pupils and teachers have been moved to a secure medical facility where they are receiving treatment before reuniting with their families.
According to the statement: “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.”
Medical experts are also expected to assess the victims’ psychological wellbeing after nearly two months in captivity.
Tinubu, Makinde, Ribadu, security chiefs applauded
The General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the leadership and support that sustained the operation.
According to the statement: “The GOC 2 Division wish to, on behalf of all the participating agencies, most sincerely and respectfully thank His Excellency, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the strategic guidance, support and for all the provisions that made the operations a huge success.”
The Army also expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State.
It said: “The GOC also wishes to once again thank the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde and indeed the good people of the state for their continuous support to security agencies especially during the trying period.”
The statement equally acknowledged the roles played by 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, and heads of other participating security agencies.
According to the statement: “The GOC also appreciates the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police and the Directors General DSS and NIA as well as Heads of other Security Agencies for their support and for the opportunity to relate directly with all the security agencies to ensure a seamless coordination and execution of the operations.”
Appeal to Nigerians
The Army concluded by thanking Nigerians and media organisations for their patience, understanding and confidence throughout the rescue mission.
According to the statement: “We sincerely thank the various media houses and indeed the entire Nigerian populace for their support, understanding and for having faith in the security architecture of the nation.”
It further appealed for sustained public cooperation.
The statement added: “We urge all to remain vigilant and continue to support all security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in the ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties across Nigeria.”
End of one ordeal, beginning of another
Although the successful rescue has brought immense relief to families and communities, the journey to full recovery is only beginning for the victims.
After enduring 56 days in terrorist captivity, the rescued pupils and teachers now face medical rehabilitation, psychological care and the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.
For the security agencies, however, the operation is far from over.
The Army has confirmed that follow up operations will continue until every member of the terrorist network, including its leaders, informants, logistics suppliers and other collaborators, is identified, apprehended and brought to justice, in a determined effort to prevent similar attacks in Oyo State and elsewhere across the country.
