Families Rejoice as Coordinated Security Offensive Ends Weeks of Captivity

 

ABUJA – The Nigerian Army has revealed how an intensive intelligence-driven military operation dismantled a kidnapping network and secured the unconditional release of 44 abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, ending nearly two months of anxiety for families and residents, reports have said.

The victims, who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom yesterday Friday July 10, following a sustained multi-agency security offensive led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nebeife.

In a statement released after the rescue, the Army disclosed that the operation involved a broad coalition of security and intelligence agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, Special Forces units of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others.

According to the military, the operation was carefully planned and executed over several weeks with the dual objective of rescuing the abducted schoolchildren and teachers, while simultaneously dismantling the criminal infrastructure responsible for the abduction.

Security operatives reportedly launched a comprehensive intelligence campaign that tracked the movement of the kidnappers, identified their financiers and informants, disrupted their logistics network and uncovered several hideouts within the dense Old Oyo National Park Forest.

Military sources disclosed that operatives conducted a series of coordinated raids and arrests in Oyo State and other parts of the country, targeting key members of the criminal syndicate.

The arrests, the Army said, crippled the operational capacity of the gang and placed its leadership under immense pressure.

“These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement noted.

The Army explained that special attention was paid to ensuring the safety of the hostages throughout the operation.

Troops avoided direct actions that could endanger the lives of the children and their teachers, opting instead for a strategy of intelligence gathering, surveillance, targeted arrests and continuous pressure on the kidnappers.

Although, the Nigerian military mourns one of the gallant soldiers, LT FA Isaac who laid down his life for the safe return of the abducted Oyo school children.

Lt Isaac was said to have been finally buried on the day the kids were rescued, as the Army however, praised the courage and sacrifice of officers and men involved in the rescue mission.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently undergoing medical evaluation and treatment at an undisclosed hospital before being formally handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

The successful rescue had triggered widespread jubilation across Oyo State and beyond since yesterday.

Families of the victims, who had endured weeks of uncertainty and anguish, expressed gratitude to the security agencies for bringing their loved ones home safely.

Residents in affected communities described the development as a major relief and a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated security operations against criminal elements.

The rescue also drew commendation from government officials. Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga yesterday confirmed the development on his X (formerly) Twitter handle, describing it as another major victory for the nation’s security agencies and their ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and terrorism.

The Oyo State Government also welcomed the release of the victims, thanking the military, intelligence services and other security agencies for their professionalism and persistence throughout the operation.

Civil society groups and community leaders equally praised the successful mission, while urging authorities to sustain the momentum by ensuring the complete dismantling of kidnapping networks operating within forests and remote communities across the country.

The release of the pupils and teachers marks the end of a traumatic chapter for the affected families and communities, while highlighting the growing role of intelligence-led operations in the nation’s fight against kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes.