How pressure forced terrorists to free 44 abducted Oyo pupils, teachers ― Army

The Nigerian Army has disclosed that multiple arrests carried out across Oyo State and other parts of the country forced the terrorists behind the abduction of 44 pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to unconditionally release their captives.

The army said the arrests were part of a coordinated intelligence-led operation that targeted the criminal network responsible for the May 15, 2026, abduction, as well as its logistics chain, informants and hideouts.

The Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, who disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, July 10, 2026, said the sustained operation significantly weakened the terrorist group.

Danjuma explained that multiple arrests made within Oyo State and in other locations across the country completely disorganised the syndicate, exerting overwhelming pressure that ultimately compelled the terrorists to release the abducted pupils and teachers without any conditions.

Danjuma noted that the rescue operation was carried out through close collaboration among the Nigerian Army, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, 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), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.

The army spokesman added that the operation, which lasted for more than a month, focused on dismantling the entire terrorist network by identifying and tracking its kingpins, logistics channels, and informants operating within the Old Oyo National Park forest and other locations.

While confirming that all 44 victims have regained their freedom and are receiving medical attention, Danjuma stressed that the operation is not over, revealing that further security operations will be conducted to apprehend other members of the criminal network and ensure they face justice.

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He also disclosed that security operatives were killed during the rescue operation.

Danjuma stated: “As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some States in the country. These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to ‘unconditionally release’ the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted.

“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces.”

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across the country.