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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Nigerian Army has revealed how a painstaking intelligence-driven operation involving multiple security agencies led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.
The victims, comprising 39 pupils and five surviving teachers, were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA. One of the abducted teachers was reportedly killed by the terrorists shortly after the attack.
According to Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma, the successful rescue followed weeks of surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations carried out by troops and other security agencies under the supervision of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife.
The operation was conducted in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), as well as the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The Army said the rescue mission was deliberately intelligence-led to ensure the victims were freed unharmed.
“The operation was intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, involving weeks of surveillance and tactical engagements aimed at securing the safe rescue of all the victims,” the military stated, adding that the collaboration among security and intelligence agencies proved decisive in bringing the prolonged ordeal to an end.
The military added that immediately after the rescue, the pupils and teachers were evacuated to a secure medical facility where they are receiving medical care, psychological support and necessary welfare before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.
The rescue came barely five days after the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, assured Nigerians that troops were closing in on the abductors.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the Army Chief had said during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
He added: “I am confident that the operation will culminate in the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.”
The eventual rescue marked the culmination of sustained efforts by the Federal Government following the abduction.
Three days after the attack, President Bola Tinubu condemned the killing of one of the abducted teachers and directed security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims.
“The Federal Government is working with the Oyo State Government to rescue all the victims,” the President said.
He further disclosed that, on his directive, the Inspector-General of Police was personally leading a technology-driven operation to track the kidnappers, expressing confidence that “we expect a breakthrough soon. The bandits and all their local collaborators will be fished out and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
As part of the rescue efforts, President Tinubu also dispatched a high-powered Federal Government delegation led by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Inspector-General of Police and other top security officials to the affected communities.
Addressing anxious residents, Gbajabiamila assured them that every available security resource would be deployed.
“Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely,” he said.
He added that the operation would be “intelligence-led and carefully coordinated, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to secure the safe return of the victims.”
On Friday, President Tinubu announced the successful conclusion of the operation, describing it as a major victory against terrorism and kidnapping.
The President also confirmed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while several others were neutralised, saying the successful rescue had “ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days” and brought relief to the affected families and the nation.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against terrorist groups and kidnappers across the country, urging Nigerians to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen ongoing security operations.