The successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity followed a month-long intelligence-led operation coordinated by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with several security agencies.
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The victims’ freedom sparked celebrations in parts of Oyo State, particularly in Ogbomoso, where residents, travellers and passers-by reportedly rejoiced as news of the successful operation spread.
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Following the mission, the soldiers, their commanding officer and other security personnel involved have received widespread commendation from Nigerians, while tributes have also been paid to operatives who lost their lives during the operation.
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According to the Nigerian Army, the operation was directed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife. The mission involved personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
Major General Chinedu Nnebeife led the operation as the General Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division.
The Army said he supervised the intelligence-based operation that led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped pupils and teachers.
Nnebeife assumed office as GOC of the 2 Division on August 19, 2025, at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment in Ibadan, taking over from Major General Obinna Onubogu.
At his inauguration, he pledged to strengthen military operations while improving troop welfare and operational efficiency.
Before the Oyo rescue mission, Nnebeife also led troops in Babasango Forest in Kwara State, where two kidnapped victims were rescued.
He also serves as the Force Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMA Sector 3, one of the Nigerian Army’s internal security operations.
The Army noted that the rescue mission involved more than just military personnel.
The coordinated operation lasted for over a month before reaching its conclusion on July 10, 2026.
Elite operatives who took part included personnel from the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (SBS), Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces (DHQSOF), Nigerian Army Special Operations Forces (SOF) snipers, Office of the National Security Adviser special units, Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), and the Department of State Services Special Tactical and Anti-Terrorism Team (STATT).
The operation also received intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support from the Nigerian Air Force and other allied intelligence assets.
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Other participating organisations included the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and community vigilantes.
The Army disclosed that security forces concentrated their operations around the Old Oyo National Park, where the kidnappers’ camps, supply routes and informants were located.
Eight suspected kidnappers were arrested in Oyo and other states during the operation.
According to the Presidency and the Army, the arrests disrupted the criminal network, while sustained military operations and the elimination of some terrorists forced the kidnappers to free the victims.
The rescue was carried out without the Federal Government yielding to the kidnappers’ reported demand for the release of a Boko Haram suspect facing terrorism charges.
The Army stated that the mission was carefully executed to avoid civilian casualties and ensure the safe rescue of all abducted pupils and teachers.
It, however, confirmed that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation but did not reveal the number or the agencies involved.
Following their rescue, the pupils and teachers were taken to an undisclosed medical facility for treatment before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The successful operation brought an end to the 56-day captivity of 39 pupils and seven teachers who were abducted from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
President Bola Tinubu commended the security agencies, noting that the victims were rescued without paying the ransom.
See the pictures of the team below:
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