Kidnapped Oyo students: Military recovery efforts currently underway — Army head

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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says troops are making significant progress towards the rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.

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Shaibu disclosed this during an interactive session with media executives on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

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The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

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“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the army chief said.

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He expressed confidence that the operation would lead to the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.

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Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remained actively engaged in various operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to address evolving security challenges.

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Speaking on operations in the North-East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded significant successes against insurgents and terrorists.

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According to him, the operation recently neutralised a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners.

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“Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised over 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists have surrendered to troops,” he said.

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Shaibu noted that improved security had enabled displaced persons to return to their communities, citing the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Bama, Borno State.

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In the North-West, he said Operation Fansan Yamma had continued to degrade bandit groups through the neutralisation of criminal elements and the recovery of weapons.

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The COAS also highlighted achievements in the North-Central region through Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield.

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He said the operations had enhanced security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi states.

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On the South-East, Shaibu said the security situation had improved considerably, noting that there were no reported disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations.

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“In the South-South, the nation’s oil output has improved, which is a testament to the success of operations against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism,” he said.

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The army chief described the South-West as one of the most peaceful regions, apart from the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.

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Shaibu announced that the Federal Government had approved measures to strengthen military manpower to tackle emerging security threats.

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He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the number of army depots to three.

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He added that the depots in Zaria, Kaduna State; Osogbo, Osun State; and Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, were expected to recruit and train 28,000 young Nigerians.

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“I recently directed the recruitment of 28,000 young Nigerians to enhance manpower for our various operations across the country.

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“So far, the Zaria depot has graduated 6,000 soldiers, Osogbo has graduated 5,000, while Amasiri-Edda will soon graduate 3,000, bringing the total to 14,000,” he said.

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Shaibu added that the Army had reviewed its curriculum to focus on marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

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He said recruits now undergo about 11 months of intensive military training, including advanced infantry and acclimatisation exercises.

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The COAS further disclosed that the army had acquired armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to strengthen operational effectiveness.

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He said personnel had been deployed for specialised training both locally and abroad to ensure proficiency in operating modern military equipment.

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“The acquisition of armed and surveillance drones, alongside enhanced aviation capabilities, has improved response times and operational success across theatres of operation,” he added.

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Shaibu reaffirmed the army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation and responding effectively to emerging security challenges.

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(NAN)

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