Army said month-long intelligence mission involving multiple arrests across states forces terrorists to unconditionally release all 44 abducted pupils and teachers
The Nigerian Army has disclosed that a month-long intelligence-led operation involving multiple coordinated arrests across Oyo State and other locations forced the terrorist network responsible for the abduction of 44 pupils and teachers to unconditionally release the victims on 10 July 2026.
The operation, led by Major General C.R. Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division, targeted the criminal network’s kingpins, logistics networks, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other parts of the country.
Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, disclosed in a statement on Friday that the sustained pressure mounted through the arrests completely disorganised the terrorist syndicate.
“Multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some States in the Country. These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement read.
The operation involved personnel from the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives. The coordinated effort targeted not just the kidnappers themselves but their entire operational infrastructure.
Multi-agency coordination and strategic focus
The operation focused on identifying the kingpins behind the 15 May abduction and dismantling their logistics network, informants and hideouts. According to the Army, the mission extended far beyond locating the victims to include neutralising the kidnappers’ operational capacity.
“The operation involved personnel from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, 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), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives,” the statement said.
The arrests made during the operation disrupted the syndicate’s command structure and informant networks, mounting the pressure that ultimately compelled the terrorists to release the victims without any exchange of prisoners or quid pro quo arrangement.
Army says there are casualties among security forces
The Army disclosed that the operation, whilst carefully planned to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and avoid collateral damage, resulted in casualties among security personnel. The statement did not provide specific numbers but acknowledged that security forces paid a price during the mission.
“The operation was carefully planned to ensure the safe rescue of the victims while avoiding collateral damage. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement noted.
Eight of the suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and remain in DSS custody. Several others were neutralised during the coordinated raids. The Army stated that further operations would continue to apprehend remaining members of the terrorist network.
Victims receiving care and support
The rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital. They are expected to be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families following medical assessment and documentation.
The General Officer Commanding thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic guidance and support throughout the operation.
He commended Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for cooperating with security agencies, and expressed appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector-General of Police, and the directors-general of the DSS and NIA for their coordination and support.
