Freed at last: How intelligence, multi-agency pressure forced release of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers 56 days after

…No ransom paid – Tinubu

…Government arrested terrorists’ family members to force victims release – Ex-DSS operative

…Obi reacts, presidency knocks Atiku for late response

…Sanwo-Olu, Oyo NUT, UBEC hail rescue operation

…Rescue operation spotlights what is possible in fight against insecurity

The release of 44 pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists in Oyo State after 56 days in captivity was the outcome of a coordinated intelligence-led operation that dismantled the kidnappers’ network and forced them to free their captives without ransom, security officials have disclosed.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, from their schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State in an attack linked to the Ansaru terrorist group operating from the Old Oyo National Park forest.

The rescue was first confirmed on Friday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga. “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga wrote on X.

“Updated: in the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities,” he added.

How we rescued the victims – Military

The rescue followed a coordinated operation led by troops of the Nigerian Army under the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chibueze Nnebeife, working alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, special forces from the armed services, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, acting deputy director of Army Public Relations for 2 Division, the operation focused on identifying and dismantling the network behind the abduction.

“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists’ kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State,” the statement said.

The military said multiple arrests were made in Oyo and other states, disrupting the group’s operations and placing it under sustained pressure.

“These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement added.

Security authorities said the operation was carefully planned to ensure the safety of the captives and avoid civilian casualties, although some security personnel suffered casualties during the mission.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will later be reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.

The rescue brings an end to a tense period that gripped Oyo State and the wider country. However, one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was killed while in captivity after being beheaded by the terrorists.

Tinubu hails operation, says no ransom paid

President Bola Tinubu hailed the operation, saying no ransom was paid and no concessions were made to secure the victims’ freedom.

“Tonight, our nation has reason to give thanks. The children and teachers abducted by Ansaru terrorists in Oyo State have been rescued by our security forces, alive and unharmed. No ransom was paid. No concession was made,” the president said.

“I salute every officer and operative whose courage, discipline, and professionalism made this possible. To those who seek to spread fear through terror, know that the Nigerian state will pursue you relentlessly. We will protect our people, defend our communities, and never relent until peace and security prevail across our country.”

Seyi Makinde, Oyo State governor, described the development as a major relief.

“It is such a big relief for all of us. Just right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” he said during a telephone interview with Channels Television on Friday.

Government arrested terrorists’ families to force victims release – Ex-DSS operative

Providing insight into the operation, Seyi Adetayo, security and intelligence expert, said the government rejected negotiations with the abductors and instead relied on intelligence gathering and pressure tactics.

“They identified the kidnappers’ mothers, wives, children and close associates. They arrested them, recorded videos and sent them to the abductors,” the former DSS operative said during an appearance on TVC on Friday.

According to him, security agencies tracked the kidnappers’ network, cut off supply routes and escape channels, and gradually weakened the group until the captives were released.

Obi reacts as presidency knocks Atiku for late response

The rescue also drew reactions from political leaders across party lines.

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, welcomed the development, describing it as worthy of thanksgiving.

“The children’s safe return is worthy of thanksgiving. I am greatly relieved and delighted to learn of the safe rescue of the schoolchildren who were kidnapped. I sincerely thank all those whose tireless efforts made their freedom possible, especially the security personnel and everyone who worked behind the scenes,” Obi said.

“While we celebrate this happy outcome, we must remember that no child should ever have to endure such trauma. The recurring incidents of kidnapping, particularly of schoolchildren, underscore the urgent need to strengthen our security architecture and make the protection of lives and property the foremost responsibility of government.

“Our children deserve to learn in an atmosphere of safety, not fear. We must continue to work towards building a Nigeria where every child can pursue education without the threat of violence or abduction.”

The development also triggered a political exchange after the presidency criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for not immediately reacting to the rescue.

“Almost 18 hours after the Oriire pupils and their teachers regained their freedom, Atiku Abubakar @atiku has not deemed it fit to rejoice with the Tinubu Federal Government, the security agencies and the traumatised victims,” Onanuga said on X, while praising Obi for issuing a statement.

However, Atiku later welcomed the operation and commended the security agencies.

“The rescue of innocent schoolchildren from the hands of terrorists is a victory for our gallant troops and a source of hope for every Nigerian family. They deserve the gratitude of the nation,” he said in a statement issued through his spokesman, Phrank Shaibu.

Atiku also urged the president to publicly brief Nigerians on the operation. “Following the successful rescue operation, the President ought to have immediately addressed the nation alongside his defence chiefs — not merely to announce the good news, but to brief Nigerians on the operation, acknowledge the bravery of the troops, highlight the lessons learned, reassure families that no effort would be spared to rescue those still in captivity, and send an unmistakable message to bandits and terrorists that the Nigerian state remains resolute.”

Sanwo-Olu commends Tinubu, Adeoye hails Makinde

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor, also celebrated the rescue, saying it showed that Tinubu is committed to war against insecurity.

“The rescue is a big relief and shows the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to the war against insecurity. I commend the tireless efforts and resilience of our gallant security operatives who made this possible. I equally rejoice with the people of Oyo State, particularly the residents of Ogbomoso on this great news,” he said.

Also, Laja Adeoye, the Allied Peoples Movement governorship candidate in Lagos State, praised Makinde for refusing to negotiate with the kidnappers or pay ransom, describing the “successful operation as evidence of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven security strategies and inter-agency collaboration.”

The APM governorship candidate also commended the security agencies, the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun), and all personnel involved in the rescue mission for their professionalism, resilience, and dedication, which culminated in the safe release of the abductees.

Oyo NUT, UBEC hail rescue operation

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, described the release as “a victory for humanity” and said it had lifted a heavy burden from teachers, pupils, parents and communities affected by the incident.

The union commended the federal and Oyo State governments for deploying resources toward securing the victims’ release, while urging authorities to strengthen security around schools and communities.

It also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the ordeal, including members of the education community.

Similarly, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board Chairman, Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, welcomed the release and described it as “a moment of great relief and thanksgiving for the entire education community in the state.”

Military authorities said further operations would continue to track down remaining members of the network involved in the abduction.