IBADAN, NIGERIA:  In a major breakthrough against violent crime, a month-long, intelligence-driven offensive by Nigerian security forces has forced the unconditional release of all 44 pupils and teachers abducted from the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The successful operation, which concluded following intense tactical and logistical pressure on the perpetrators, effectively dismantled the operational infrastructure of the terrorist syndicate responsible for the May 15, 2026, mass abduction.

A Coordinated Multi-Agency Offensive

The high-stakes rescue mission was executed through a comprehensive, multi-agency framework led by Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division.

The operation involved seamless strategic collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) via the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), alongside the Defence Headquarters. Tactical execution drew on the combined capabilities of:

• Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force

• The Nigeria Police Force

• The Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA)

• The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

• Local vigilantes, hunters, and members of the Amotekun Corps

According to an official statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, the campaign specifically targeted the syndicate's core leadership, supply chains, informant networks, and deep-forest sanctuaries.

Strategic Disruption of Terrorist Networks

Military authorities confirmed that the primary theater of operation centered around the Old Oyo National Park Forest, extending into various strategic locations across the country. Over the course of the month, security forces executed targeted raids resulting in multiple arrests of key syndicate members.

These arrests severely fractured the group's command structure and eliminated their operational capabilities. Facing sustained, overwhelming pressure from the advancing forces and the collapse of their internal logistics, the terrorists ultimately capitulated and released all hostages unconditionally.

The military emphasized that the operation was meticulously structured to prioritize the safety of the captives and prevent collateral damage. While the primary objective of securing the hostages alive was achieved, the Nigerian Army acknowledged that the mission came at a high cost, with some security personnel sustaining fatal casualties in the line of duty.

Reunification and Ongoing Operations

The 44 rescued pupils and teachers have been transferred to an undisclosed medical facility, where they are currently undergoing comprehensive health evaluations and receiving psychological support. Following their medical clearance, they will be formally handed over to the Oyo State Government to be reunited with their families.

Major General Nnebeife lauded the operation as a benchmark for inter-agency synergy, noting that joint planning and real-time intelligence sharing were pivotal not only in rescuing the victims but also in neutralizing the criminal infrastructure to deter future threats.

The GOC expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for providing the necessary strategic resources, and extended appreciation to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Service Chiefs, and the heads of all participating security organs for their unwavering institutional support.

Furthermore, the military commended the public and the media for maintaining patience and confidence in the nation's security apparatus during the delicate, month-long mission.

While the immediate crisis has resolved, defense authorities stated that follow-up sweep operations remain active within the region to apprehend fleeing remnants of the syndicate and permanently eliminate kidnapping networks across the country.