The Nigerian Army has revealed the details of a highly coordinated, intelligence-led offensive that led to the rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims, who spent 56 grueling days in captivity after being seized on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on July 10, 2026. The breakthrough followed an intense multi-agency campaign that disrupted the kidnappers’ network and forced them into an unconditional release.
A Month-Long Tactical Offensive
According to a statement from Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, the rescue was the result of an operation lasting over a month. Under the leadership of Major General C.R. Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, security forces focused their efforts on tracking down the terrorists’ hideouts within the expansive Old Oyo National Park and other strategic locations across the country.
Rather than launching a hasty assault that could jeopardize the hostages, the military deployed an intelligence-driven strategy. This plan was designed to systematically dismantle the criminal infrastructure by targeting the syndicate’s kingpins, tracking logistics channels, and arresting local informants.
Inter-Agency Collaboration Breaks the Syndicate
The successful rescue highlighted unprecedented synergy among Nigeria’s security apparatus. The collaborative effort pulled together resources and personnel from several agencies, including:
- The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC)
- Defence Headquarters and Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force
- The Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS)
- The National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- Local vigilantes, hunters, and the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as the Amotekun Corps
This combined pressure led to multiple arrests across Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria. With their logistics channels blocked and key operatives in custody, the terrorist cell was completely disorganized, ultimately leaving them with no choice but to release the hostages unharmed.
Sacrifice and Recovery
While celebrating the safe return of the students and teachers, the military acknowledged the high price paid for their freedom. Lt. Col. Danjuma disclosed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the high-stakes operation, though specific details regarding the casualties were not provided.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital. Once cleared by medical professionals, they will be formally handed over to the Oyo State Government to be reunited with their families.
Major General Nnebeife expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his strategic direction and resource support. He also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and local communities for their cooperation throughout the tense 56-day ordeal.