In a major breakthrough for national security, a coordinated joint task force has successfully rescued the 44 schoolchildren and teachers who were abducted from their classrooms in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims, who were violently seized on May 15, 2026, by suspected Ansaru terrorists, spent 56 traumatic days in captivity before being freed. The successful rescue has triggered spontaneous celebrations across Oyo State, bringing an end to nearly two months of agony and sleepless nights for the victims’ families.
The high-stakes rescue mission was a meticulously planned, intelligence-driven operation that spanned more than a month. Led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, the tactical team drew personnel from the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, and local vigilantes. Operatives successfully infiltrated the criminal network, targeting the terrorists’ logistics channels, informants, and deep forest hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park, which ultimately broke the syndicate’s operational structure.
The presidency explicitly confirmed that the rescue was achieved through sheer tactical pressure, with absolutely no ransom paid or concessions made to the terrorists. The abductors had previously demanded the release of a high-profile Boko Haram kingpin currently facing prosecution—a demand the federal government firmly rejected. During the fierce operation, several terrorists were neutralized and eight key suspects were arrested and taken into DSS custody. However, the victory came at a painful cost, as Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed that some brave security personnel made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives during the mission.
Following their liberation, the freed children and teachers were transferred to the 2 Division Medical Services at Odogbo Barracks in Ibadan. The victims are currently undergoing comprehensive medical evaluations and psychological monitoring to support their recovery from the ordeal. Governor Makinde, who expressed profound relief and extended condolences to the families of the fallen heroes, noted that the survivors will remain under medical observation before being formally reunited with their eager parents.
