Army: Arrests Across Oyo, Other States Forced Terrorists to Release Abducted Oriire Pupils, Teachers

The Nigerian Army has revealed 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.

According to the Army, the arrests were part of a coordinated intelligence-led operation targeting the criminal network responsible for the May 15, 2026 abduction, including its logistics chain, informants and hideouts.

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

He explained that the arrests made within Oyo State and in other locations across the country completely disorganised the syndicate, placing overwhelming pressure on its members and ultimately compelling them to release the abducted pupils and teachers without any conditions.

Danjuma said the operation was executed through close collaboration among the Nigerian Army, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), 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.

He noted that the operation lasted for more than a month and 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.

The Army confirmed that all 44 abducted pupils and teachers have regained their freedom and are receiving medical attention.

Danjuma, however, stressed that the operation is ongoing, revealing that further security operations would be conducted to apprehend other members of the criminal network and ensure they are brought to justice.

He also disclosed that some security personnel lost their lives during the rescue operation.

“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,” he said.

He added that the operation was carefully planned and executed to prevent collateral damage and ensure the safe rescue of the children and teachers, while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to strengthen efforts to protect lives and property.