The Nigerian Army has revealed that the successful rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers kidnapped from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State followed a month-long, intelligence-driven operation that brought together virtually every major security agency in the country.
The victims regained their freedom 56 days after armed men abducted them from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities.
Their release sparked widespread excitement across the Ogbomoso area, as motorists, commuters, and residents erupted in celebration upon receiving the news.
The officer who led the mission
Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, coordinated and oversaw the intelligence-based mission from its inception through to its successful conclusion.
Nnebeife took over leadership of the 2 Division on August 19, 2025, during a ceremony held at Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment in Ibadan, replacing Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu.
Upon assuming office, he promised to place strong emphasis on troop welfare while enhancing operational efficiency.
In addition to heading the 2 Division, he serves as the Force Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMA Sector 3. He had earlier commanded troops that rescued two kidnapped victims in Babasango Forest, Kwara State.
A multi-agency force behind the mission
The rescue mission involved a broad coalition of security organisations rather than the Nigerian Army acting alone.
Personnel from the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service, the Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces, Nigerian Army Special Operations Forces snipers, special units under the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Police Intelligence Response Team, and the Department of State Services’ Special Tactical and Anti-Terrorism Team all played active roles.
The Nigerian Air Force supported the operation with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, and vigilantes strengthened the wider security operation, Punch reported.
𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦: 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝘆𝗼 𝗮𝗯𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲: https://t.co/d2MbdPRCvv pic.twitter.com/fyeFxaDjr5
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) July 11, 2026
Security operatives focused much of their mission around the Old Oyo National Park after identifying it as the area where the kidnappers had built their camps, established logistics routes, and maintained informant networks.
During the operation, security forces arrested eight suspected kidnappers in Oyo and other states. According to the Army, continuous pressure on the criminal network, including the elimination of some of the suspects, eventually compelled the abductors to free the captives.
The Federal Government also stood its ground by rejecting the kidnappers’ reported demand for the release of a Boko Haram suspect currently facing trial over terrorism-related offences.
The Army acknowledged that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation but did not disclose the number of casualties or specify the agencies affected, Vanguard reported.
Following their rescue, the pupils and teachers were taken to an undisclosed medical facility for evaluation before they were handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunion with their families.
President Bola Tinubu praised the security agencies for the successful operation, noting that the victims were freed without the payment of any ransom.
