The successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity was the outcome of a month-long intelligence-driven operation coordinated by the Nigerian Army and multiple security agencies.
The victims’ release triggered widespread joy, particularly in the Ogbomoso area, where travellers and locals broke into spontaneous jubilation as news of the rescue spread.
Following the operation, the soldiers and their commanding officer have been spotlighted, with Nigerians commending their efforts and paying tribute to personnel who lost their lives during the operation.
According to the Army, the mission was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, alongside a coalition of agencies including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Nigerian Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, and local vigilantes.
Meet Maj. Gen. Nnebeife
The rescue was spearheaded by Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, the GOC of 2 Division. The Army stated he supervised the intelligence-led operation that culminated in the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Nnebeife, who assumed command on August 19, 2025, previously led a successful rescue in Babasango Forest, Kwara State. Beyond his role at 2 Division, he also serves as the Force Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMA Sector 3.
A Multi-Agency Effort
The operation required over a month of intense coordination, concluding on July 10, 2026. It utilized elite units such as the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service (SBS), Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces (DHQSOF), and Army Special Operations Forces (SOF) snipers, supported by NAF aerial surveillance assets.
Targeting the Kidnappers’ Network
Troops focused on the Old Oyo National Park, targeting the kidnappers’ logistics routes, camps and informants. The operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspects. The Army confirmed that the victims were rescued without the Federal Government acceding to the kidnappers’ reported demand for the release of a Boko Haram suspect standing trial for terrorism.
Casualties and Medical Care
While the operation successfully avoided collateral damage to the hostages, the Army confirmed that there were casualties among security personnel. The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention before reuniting with their families.
The rescue marks the end of a 56-day ordeal for the 39 pupils and seven teachers kidnapped from Oriire. President Bola Tinubu praised the agencies, noting the hostages were freed without the payment of ransom.
See photos of the team below:
