All 46 people abducted from three schools in Oyo State have been freed after 56 days in captivity, security sources confirmed on Friday evening. The release followed weeks of coordinated operations by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the State Security Service (SSS), Nigerian Army, police, and other agencies. Some terrorists were killed during the rescue.
Details of the Abduction
On 15 May, terrorists simultaneously raided Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community High School (Ahoro-Esinele), and L.A. Primary School (Ahoro-Esinele) in Oriire Local Government Area. They abducted 39 students and seven teachers. One of the teachers was later killed in captivity. The abductors were identified by the Defence Headquarters as dislodged members of Boko Haram.
Governor's Response and Arrests
Governor Seyi Makinde condemned the attack, noting that sustained military offensives in the North-west were forcing terrorists southward. He revealed that six suspects had been arrested and that security operatives encountered improvised explosive devices during the search, injuring some personnel. He stressed that southern states must prepare to repel fleeing terrorist groups.
Public Outrage and Protests
The kidnappings sparked widespread outrage. The Take-It-Back Movement organised mass demonstrations in Ibadan, the state capital. The National Union of Teachers (NUT) held nationwide rallies, and teachers in Oyo went on strike to protest the abductions.
Presidency and Police Confirm Release
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the rescue on Facebook, sharing pictures of the freed captives. In a video, Vice Principal Alamu Folawe of Community Grammar School thanked President Bola Tinubu and security operatives: “The President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety, and we appreciate all you did for us. Thank you very much. And every security operative, they tried so much, and that is why we are still alive now.” Folawe had earlier appeared in terrorist propaganda footage pleading with the government to meet the abductors' demands.
Oyo State Police Commissioner Olugbenga Abimbola also confirmed the release, stating that more details would be provided later.
Operational Details
Sources revealed that the Nigerian government employed multiple strategies. Military personnel sabotaged food supply to the forest reserve where the terrorists camped—Old Oyo National Park, which links to Kainji National Park. This caused the group to run out of supplies. Associates of the abductors living outside the camps were also arrested, weakening the terrorists' negotiating position. Some terrorists were killed and others captured during the operation, though exact numbers were not disclosed.
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, had stated on Thursday that the terrorists kidnapped the students to force the government to release terror commanders, threatening to kill the captives if a rescue was attempted.
