The Nigerian Army has disclosed 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 from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State to succumb to pressure that led to the unconditionally release of their captives.
This was as the Army high command said the arrests of the terrorist kingpins were part of a coordinated intelligence-led operation that targeted the criminal network responsible for the May 15, 2026, abduction, as well as its logistics chain, informants and hideouts.
Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, who stated these in a statement on Friday, July 10, 2026, said the sustained operation significantly weakened the terrorist group.
Danjuma noted that multiple arrests made within Oyo State and in other locations across the country completely disorganised the syndicate and also exerted overwhelming pressure that ultimately compelled the terrorists to release the abducted pupils and teachers without any conditions.
The Army Deputy Director Public Relations, stated that the rescue operation was carried out through close collaboration among the Nigerian Army, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the 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.
Danjuma further said that the operation which lasted for more than a month, 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.
Deputy Spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, 2 Division also confirmed that all 44 victims have regained their freedom and are receiving medical attention, stressing however, that the operation is not over.
Danjuma said; “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.
“As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some States in the country,” he said.
The Army Deputy Director Public Relations also said that further security operations will be conducted to apprehend other members of the criminal network and ensure they face justice.
He revealed that some security operatives were killed during the rescue operation.
In the words of Danjuma; “It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued.
However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” he announced.
The Army urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible information to enhance ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across the country.
