The Nigerian military has confirmed that some security personnel suffered casualties during the coordinated operation that secured the release of 44 abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State after weeks in captivity.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area and regained their freedom on July 10 following what military authorities described as a carefully planned, intelligence-driven mission involving multiple security and intelligence agencies.
The operation was coordinated by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, the military explained that the Oyo pupils rescue operation targeted the criminal network responsible for the abduction and its support structures operating within the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding areas.
According to the statement, security operatives carried out multiple arrests across Oyo State and other parts of the country, dismantling the kidnappers’ logistics chain, hideouts and network of informants.
The military said the sustained pressure eventually forced the abductors to release the victims without conditions.
“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 statement said.
It added that the arrests significantly weakened the group and ultimately compelled the kidnappers to free the pupils and teachers.
The military stressed that the mission was carefully executed to prioritise the safety of the hostages and minimise collateral damage.
While confirming the successful Oyo pupils rescue, the statement disclosed that some members of the security forces lost their lives during the operation, although no further details about the casualties were provided.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before they are reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.
Major General Nnebeife commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic direction and support throughout the operation. He also acknowledged the contributions of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, 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 all participating security agencies.
The military also appreciated Nigerians and the media for their support during the operation and urged citizens to remain vigilant by providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies to strengthen ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and protect lives and property across the country.
