Security agencies have arrested eight suspected kidnappers and rescued 44 abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State after a 56-day intelligence-led operation, with no ransom or prisoner swap involved. The operation, which culminated on 10 July 2026, involved multiple security forces including the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Air Force, Navy, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters. Some members of the kidnapping gang were neutralised during the operation, and the eight arrested suspects are currently in DSS custody.
How the rescue unfolded
The abduction occurred on 15 May 2026 in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, when gunmen attacked three schools and kidnapped 44 pupils and teachers. The incident sparked protests, rescue offers, prayers, and weeks of uncertainty. Security forces launched a month-long intelligence-driven operation focusing on identifying the kingpins, dismantling their logistics network, tracking informants, and locating hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other parts of the country. According to the Nigerian Army, troops led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, conducted carefully coordinated operations that lasted more than a month. The military said multiple arrests across Oyo and neighbouring states disrupted the syndicate's operations and forced the terrorists to release the captives unconditionally.
No ransom or prisoner swap
An updated security briefing confirmed that no ransom payment or prisoner exchange was made to secure the victims' freedom. "There was no quid pro quo in the rescue," the security update stated, noting that one of the terrorist kingpins whose release had reportedly been demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is still being prosecuted for previous atrocities. The Army also disclosed that while the operation was executed to avoid collateral damage and ensure safe recovery, some members of the security forces sustained casualties.
Public pressure and protests
Soon after the abduction, parents, residents, and civil society groups staged protests demanding urgent government intervention. Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Igboho publicly accused politicians of having links to the kidnappers and threatened to expose those allegedly sponsoring the criminal network. He also claimed the Oyo State Government rejected his offer to deploy his security team to rescue the victims. Despite that, Igboho's men later entered the Old Oyo National Park in search of the abductees, resulting in a fierce gun battle with suspected bandits that left members of his security team injured.
Governor Makinde's response
As criticism mounted over the prolonged captivity, Governor Seyi Makinde appealed for calm, insisting the incident would not become "another Chibok." He maintained that security agencies were pursuing intelligence-led efforts rather than actions that could endanger the children's lives. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) had enforced a total shutdown of public schools in protest.
Religious leaders offer hope
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, told worshippers that God had assured him the abducted pupils and teachers would return safely, a message that gave hope to many families awaiting good news. Even hours before the rescue was announced, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, revealed the complexity of the operation, disclosing that the kidnappers had repeatedly threatened to kill all the children if troops attempted a forceful rescue.
Medical care and reunification
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families. The military added that follow-up operations are already underway to arrest other members of the kidnapping network and dismantle any remaining terrorist cells linked to the group. In its statement, the Army thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, the Amotekun Corps, local hunters, vigilantes, and other participating agencies for their roles in the operation. It also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
