A month-long, intelligence-driven mission has successfully resulted in the unconditional release of 44 students and teachers who were abducted from Oyo State on May 15, 2026. The rescue followed a multi-agency strategy aimed at crippling the terrorist syndicate responsible for the kidnapping.
Led by Major General Chinedu Nnebeife of the 2 Division Nigerian Army, the operation unified various branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside the DSS, NIA, Police, NSCDC, local hunters, and the Amotekun Corps. By targeting the syndicate’s leadership, informants, and supply chains within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, security forces created significant pressure that forced the captors to surrender their hostages.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, spokesperson for the 2 Division, confirmed that multiple arrests were made across Nigeria, effectively shattering the group’s command structure. While the operation was carefully executed to prioritize the safety of the captives, the military noted that some security personnel lost their lives during the mission.
Currently, the rescued individuals are undergoing medical evaluation before being reunited with their families via the Oyo State Government. Major General Nnebeife attributed the success to enhanced inter-agency communication and strategic support from President Bola Tinubu and other high-ranking officials. Ongoing efforts remain underway to track down remaining members of the criminal network and further eliminate threats in the region.
