Army Mourns Fallen Heroes After Oyo School Rescue

The Nigerian Army has disclosed that some security operatives lost their lives during the month-long operation that led to the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the victims, who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on July 10 after an intelligence-driven operation targeted the group responsible for the abduction. Although the mission ended successfully, the Army confirmed that some security personnel were killed in the line of duty but did not disclose the number of casualties or the agencies involved.
The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife. It involved personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, 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 the Army, the operation lasted for more than a month and focused on identifying those behind the kidnapping, dismantling their network and disrupting their logistics, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest. It added that several arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation.
The statement said the arrests destabilised the criminal group and mounted overwhelming pressure on them, ultimately forcing the abductors to release the pupils and teachers unconditionally.
The Army noted that the rescue mission was carefully planned and executed to ensure the victims were recovered safely without collateral damage. Despite the successful outcome, it acknowledged that some security personnel made the ultimate sacrifice during the operation.
It added that the rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The Army also appreciated the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, security agencies, local security outfits, media organisations and members of the public for their support throughout the operation. It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to strengthen the fight against criminality.