The Nigerian military has confirmed that security personnel suffered casualties during the month-long Oyo abduction rescue operation that secured the release of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims were rescued after a coordinated intelligence-driven mission involving multiple security and intelligence agencies.
According to the military, the victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, and regained their freedom on July 10 following a carefully coordinated operation designed to ensure their safe recovery without endangering their lives.
The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma.
The Oyo abduction rescue mission was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun, local vigilantes and hunters.
The military said the operation focused on dismantling the kidnappers’ network, logistics chain, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park and other surrounding areas.
According to the statement, security operatives carried out multiple arrests in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the criminal group’s operations and forcing it to release the abducted pupils and teachers unconditionally.
The military explained that the sustained operation successfully identified the alleged masterminds of the kidnapping while crippling their support network and supply routes.
While describing the operation as carefully planned to avoid collateral damage, the military acknowledged that some members of the security forces lost their lives or were injured during the mission, although no specific figures were disclosed.
It stressed that every effort was made to prioritise the safety of the kidnapped children and their teachers throughout the operation.
The military said all rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
Major General Nnebeife commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic direction and support for the operation, while also appreciating Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for backing security agencies throughout the mission.
He further acknowledged the contributions of National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as the heads of participating security agencies for ensuring effective coordination.
The military also thanked Nigerians and the media for their cooperation and urged members of the public to remain vigilant by providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen ongoing efforts to protect lives and property across the country.
