By Peter Omopo
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, has disclosed that the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State followed a complex, intelligence-driven operation that lasted more than 56 days and involved multiple security agencies.
Speaking during the formal handover of the rescued victims to the Oyo State Government, Major General Nnebeife said troops launched an immediate rescue mission after the abduction on May 15, 2026.
According to him, soldiers were mobilised from nearby formations immediately the incident was reported. However, by the time they arrived, the abductors had already retreated deep into the forest.
The Army commander explained that the initial search operation faced significant challenges due to the dense forest terrain, which limited the effectiveness of aerial surveillance despite the deployment of drones and support from the Nigerian Air Force.
He noted that security operatives eventually intensified ground operations with the support of local hunters and vigilantes to track the kidnappers.
Major General Nnebeife revealed that the operation came at a heavy cost, with one officer and one soldier losing their lives, while several others sustained injuries, including a soldier who suffered a severe gunshot wound that resulted in a broken arm.
He said the rescue mission later evolved into a coordinated national security operation involving the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters Special Forces, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Operation Safe Haven, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The GOC stressed that security agencies refused to negotiate with the kidnappers, opting instead to dismantle the criminal network responsible for the abduction.
According to him, the operation focused on identifying the leaders of the group, disrupting their logistics network and arresting members of the syndicate and their collaborators across different parts of the country.
He disclosed that blocking the group’s major supply route eventually compelled the kidnappers to release the victims unconditionally.
Despite the successful rescue, Major General Nnebeife maintained that the military’s operation against the criminal network would continue until those responsible are completely dismantled.
He confirmed that the victims were rescued on July 10 but disclosed that two teachers died while in captivity.
Paying tribute to the fallen personnel, the Army commander said the victims were rescued on the same day the slain officer was buried, describing the sacrifice of the deceased soldiers as one that would never be forgotten.
Major General Nnebeife also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic direction, resources and receiving regular operational briefings throughout the rescue mission.
He praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his consistent support, dismissing reports suggesting the governor was indifferent to the rescue efforts. According to him, Makinde remained actively engaged by regularly seeking updates on the operation.
The GOC further acknowledged the contributions of the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the DSS, the National Intelligence Agency, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, medical personnel and local security volunteers.
He disclosed that intelligence obtained from suspects arrested by the police significantly contributed to the success of the operation, with some suspects reportedly airlifted into the forest to identify terrorist camps.
Major General Nnebeife also appreciated the media and Nigerians for keeping public attention on the abduction, saying the sustained pressure helped maintain momentum throughout the rescue operation.
He urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, while warning that investigations had uncovered the involvement of some collaborators among local vigilantes and hunters. He stressed that lasting security can only be achieved through effective collaboration between security agencies and the public.
