Freedom: Presidency confirms all 46 abductees rescued by security agencies; military operation kills nine bandits, arrests eight after 56 days of captivity
The Presidency has confirmed that all 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026 have been rescued by Nigerian security agencies, bringing an end to nearly two months of captivity that gripped national attention.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, announced the development on his verified X handle on Friday.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.
President Bola Tinubu expressed his profound joy at the successful rescue, commending security agencies for the operation that neutralised several terrorists and arrested eight abductors without collateral damage.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them. This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular,” Tinubu said in a State House statement.
The rescue operation involved personnel from the Nigerian Army and the police, backed by intelligence from the Department of State Services. A security source disclosed that at least nine bandits were killed during the operation, whilst eight were arrested and remain in DSS custody.
President Tinubu regretted the anguish experienced by the children, their teachers, families and the entire nation during the ordeal. He commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation in securing the victims’ release and charged the state to ensure adequate security around schools.
“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” the President stated.
The abduction occurred when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities near Ogbomoso. One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed whilst in captivity, an act President Tinubu had condemned as barbaric.
The abduction triggered nationwide outrage, an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and solidarity rallies across state capitals through late May and early June.
Sustained military operations that led to their freedom
The confirmation follows weeks of sustained military and intelligence operations. The Nigerian Army had disclosed that the victims were believed held within the Old Oyo National Park, a roughly 2,500 square kilometre expanse spanning ten local government areas. The challenging terrain had significantly complicated rescue efforts.
Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu had stated days before the rescue announcement that troops were making “tremendous progress” following intelligence breakthroughs that traced associates of the kidnappers across the country.
President Tinubu had earlier dispatched a high-powered federal delegation including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa to affected communities.
The President also approved the recruitment of one thousand forest guards and directed a specialised tactical unit to intensify search and rescue efforts.
Presidential Justice Commitment and Support Directive
President Tinubu committed the government to pursuing justice for the abductees and for Michael Oyedokun, a teacher killed whilst in captivity.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” the President stated.
He also directed emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide comprehensive medical and relief support to the rescued children and teachers.
Families of the abducted pupils and teachers are expected to be reunited with their loved ones in the coming days, closing a chapter that tested Nigeria’s security response and renewed national debate over school safety.
