Oyo kidnapping: Military personnel were injured in daring raid to free captives

The military has revealed that some security personnel suffered casualties during the operation to rescue 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an ordeal that lasted from May 15, 2026, until their rescue on July 10.

n

The rescue operation was the culmination of a month-long, intelligence-led effort involving multiple security and intelligence agencies, led by Major General C.R. Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army in Ibadan.

n

This complex operation was conducted in collaboration with various agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun, local vigilantes, and hunters.

n

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 2 Division, the operation focused on dismantling the kidnappers' network and logistics chain within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations, resulting in multiple arrests in Oyo State and beyond.

n

These arrests successfully disrupted the group's activities, forcing them to unconditionally release the captives, as explained in the military's statement, which highlighted the meticulous planning that went into the operation to ensure the safe recovery of the victims while minimizing collateral damage.

n

The military's efforts were aimed at identifying and apprehending the terrorist kingpins behind the kidnapping, as well as dismantling their networks and hideouts, including those located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest in Oyo State.

n

The statement further emphasized that the operation's success was due in part to the careful planning and execution that avoided collateral damage and ensured the safe rescue of the innocent children and teachers, although some casualties were incurred by the security forces.

n

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families once their treatment is complete.

n

Major General Nnebeife commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic guidance and support for the operation, and also expressed appreciation for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde's support to the security agencies involved.

n

The GOC also acknowledged the contributions of several key officials, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the heads of other participating security agencies, for their roles in ensuring effective coordination throughout the operation.

n

The military extended its gratitude to the media and the public for their support and urged citizens to remain vigilant, continuing to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing efforts to protect lives and property across the country.