The Oyo kidnapping of 44 pupils and teachers ended after Nigerian security forces rescued the victims following a month-long operation in Oriire Local Government Area. The authorities said they used intelligence gathering to track the criminal group responsible for the abduction — FirstNigerian.com reports.
The victims were taken on 15 May 2026. Their release came after a month-long operation by Nigerian security agencies.
The Nigerian Army said it targeted the group responsible for the kidnapping. The operation involved the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and other security teams.
Oyo Kidnapping: Security Agencies Trace Kidnappers’ Activities
The Army said it gathered intelligence for several weeks before moving against the group.
During the operation, security forces focused on the group’s leaders, supply routes, informants and hideouts.
They carried out searches around the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other areas linked to the kidnappers.
Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, said the operation led to arrests in Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria.
He said the arrests weakened the group’s ability to operate and helped lead to the release of the pupils and teachers.
Meanwhile, local security groups, including hunters and members of the Amotekun Corps, supported the operation.
Rescued Pupils And Teachers Receive Care
The Army said security forces planned the operation to protect the victims and reduce risks to civilians.
However, some security personnel died during the mission, according to military authorities.
The rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital. After that, officials will hand them over to the Oyo State Government for reunion with their families.
Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, said security agencies would continue efforts to find other members of the group.
The Oyo State Government has not yet announced the date for the formal handover of the rescued pupils and teachers. Officials are expected to provide updates on their condition and the next steps after medical assessments.
Security agencies said investigations into the kidnapping network are continuing. The military also urged residents to report suspicious activities and provide information that could assist ongoing operations.
He also thanked the agencies involved and asked residents to provide information that could support security operations.
