*Makinde, Ayorinde, Lagos Speaker, NULGE, Joyful
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
The Nigeria Army has revealed how 44 kidnaped victims of Oriire Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State were rescued on Friday.
The victims, pupils and teachers, were abducted by gunmen on 15 May, several weeks before they were rescued.
The Army, in a statement on Friday, narrated how coordinated efforts of joint security forces resulted in the freedom of the victims.
The statement, entitled: ‘Kidnapped Students and Teachers in Oyo State Rescued, Following Surgical Intense and Well-Coordinated Operations in Old Oyo National Park and Other Parts of The Country’, noted that the Army, Nigerian Navy, the police, Air Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), local security groups and hunters,were involved in the effort.
Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division’s Army Public Relations, Lieutenant-Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, signed the statement.
“Following intelligence-led carefully planned and executed operations, on 10 July 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), specifically the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, with special forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy, the Air Force and the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies as well as local vigilantes/hunters/Amotekun, in a well-coordinated operation, rescued a total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.
“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, busting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State.
“As part of the operations, 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. Further operations are to be conducted.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces.
“The pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State government in due course, so as to be reunited with their families.
“The GOC 2 Division wishes to, on behalf of all the participating agencies, most sincerely and respectfully thank and appreciate His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the strategic guidance, support and for all the provisions that made the operations a huge success.
“The GOC also wishes to, once again, thank the governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and, indeed, the good people of the state for their continuous support to security agencies, especially during the trying period.
“The GOC also appreciates the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other service chiefs, Inspector General of Police and the Directors General DSS and NIA, as well as heads of other security agencies for their support and for the opportunity to relate directly with all the security agencies to ensure a seamless coordination and execution of the operations.
“We sincerely thank the various media houses and, indeed, the entire Nigeria populace for their support, understanding and for having faith in the security architecture of the nation. We urge all to remain vigilant and continue to support all security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in the ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties across Nigeria,” Danjuma said.
Makinde Jubilant
Meanwhile, Oyo State governor, Makinde, has welcomed the successful rescue of the teachers and pupils, describing the operations as a major breakthrough in efforts to combat kidnapping and violent crimes in South-West Nigeria.
Speaking by telephone from Government House, Ibadan, shortly after the victims regained their freedom, Makinde said he was overwhelmed with emotion following the successful conclusion of the 56-day ordeal.
“I am overjoyed and can hardly say much at the moment. I will speak further when I have gathered my thoughts,” the governor said.
He commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, the police and the DSS for conducting the joint operation that secured the victims’ release.
He also acknowledged the support of President Tinubu, saying sustained collaboration between federal and state authorities contributed to the successful outcome.
“We thank our service commanders, the Nigeria Police, the DSS, the military, the high command, and, of course, the President, for their determination in bringing this operation to a successful conclusion,” he said.
The governor also praised the media for maintaining public attention on the abduction throughout the crisis, saying sustained coverage helped keep the rescue efforts in focus.
According to Makinde, the victims had spent 56 days in captivity before they were rescued during a coordinated operation involving the military, police, and intelligence agencies.
One teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was killed during the incident, while an Army lieutenant also lost his life during the rescue operation, according to state authorities.
The successful rescue has brought relief to the affected families and communities, ending weeks of uncertainty and anxiety following one of the most significant school abductions recorded in southern Nigeria.
Advisory Council Chair Hails Makinde
Also, the Chairman of the Oyo State Advisory Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde SAN, has congratulated Gov. Makinde and security agencies over the rescue of the abducted school children and teachers.
In a statement issued and signed in Ibadan, Chief Ayorinde also commended the military, the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment in securing the release of the victims.
“The successful operations reflects the determination of Governor Makinde’s administration and the security agencies to protect the lives and property of residents across Oyo State.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations on the immeasurable success of Your Excellency and our security agencies, particularly the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police, who demonstrated remarkable bravery and unwavering commitment in the recent rescue of the abducted children and teachers in Orire Local Government Area,” he said.
Chief Ayorinde noted that the abduction of innocent pupils and teachers had, once again, brought to the fore the growing security challenges confronting educational institutions across the country, recalling that the incident evoked memories of the infamous Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.
He, however, described the successful rescue as a significant victory for the security agencies and a moment of immense relief for the families of the victims and the people of Oyo State.
The statement read further: “The successful rescue of these children is not just a significant achievement for our security agencies, but also a moment of relief and joy for their families and all citizens and residents of Oyo State.
“It reinforces our belief that the spirit of resilience and courage can prevail, even in the darkest of times.”
The Senior Advocate added that the success of the rescue operation sent a strong message that Nigeria possessed the capacity to overcome its security challenges through collaboration, determination and effective leadership.
He said the operation also inspired confidence that the future of the nation’s children could be safeguarded in an environment where education thrives without fear and communities worked together to confront insecurity.
Chief Ayorinde further advocated institutional reforms that would strengthen collaboration among security agencies, enabling them to respond more effectively and proactively to criminal activities.
He admonished Gov. Makinde to encourage greater community participation in security through neighbourhood watch initiatives and stronger support for local authorities, stressing that collective responsibility remained vital in tackling insecurity across the state.
Lagos Assembly Speaker Obasa, Oyo APC, NAWOJ Joyful
Also, Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, the Oyo State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) expressed happiness over the release of the students and teachers.
Obasa, in his reaction, described the rescue as a great victory.
He spoke in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dave Agboola, commending President Tinubu, the police, Army, and Gov. Makinde for their “swift and coordinated efforts.”
He maintained that the combined efforts of all the stakeholders led to the safe rescue of the victims.
“This rescue is a reminder that when government institutions, security agencies, and communities work hand in hand, we can overcome even the gravest challenges. May this victory inspire renewed commitment to the safety of our schools and the protection of our children,” he said.
APC in its own reaction, commended the security agents for their professionalism.
The party, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, advised Makinde to take all necessary steps to avoid recurrence.
Sadare also charged the governor to cooperate with the Federal Government in order to ensure protection of lives and property in the state.
“We are happy for the lucky abductees, their family members and every concerned persons who have had to contend will indescribable agony and apprehension in the last 56 days while we also sympathise with the families of the three individuals who lost their lives to the unfortunate incident.
“Meanwhile, it is important for all stakeholders to work together and kick out bandits, abductors and other criminal elements from the Nigerian society because insecurity is antithetical to progress and development.
“As things stand now, state governors have to be more alive to their responsibilities, especially as it concerns security of lives and properties.
“The situation in Oyo State since 2019 has been worrisome, because we have a governor who always works at cross purpose with the government at the centre on account of dirty politicking,” the party said.
NAWOJ in its reaction, said it received the news of the release with joy.
Its Chairperson in Oyo State, Omolola Alamu, noted that the association stood in solidarity with the affected families and the victims.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, Alamu commended the way the situation was handled by the security agents.
…NULGE Too
Also, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE) in Oyo State commended Gov. Makinde and security agencies for the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers, describing their safe return as a victory for the state and a source of relief to their families.
In a statement signed by the State President, Ayobami Olusegun Adeogun, the union praised Gov. Makinde for his steadfast leadership, prompt response and commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims.
The union also lauded the coordinated efforts of the DSS, the Army, the police, Amotekun and other security agencies whose collaboration led to the successful rescue operation.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Some of the released pupils and teachers.
