The Nigerian Army has announced substantial headway in its ongoing operation to rescue 46 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State, even as it highlighted broader successes in tackling insecurity across the country.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this during an interactive session with media executives as part of activities commemorating the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
The victims, 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Speaking on the rescue effort, the Army Chief expressed confidence that the military operation would soon secure the safe release of all those taken. “Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” Shaibu stated.
The COAS used the occasion to provide an overview of the Army’s nationwide operations, noting sustained gains against various security threats in all six geopolitical zones.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have continued to degrade insurgent capabilities, recently eliminating a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in a joint operation with United States partners. Shaibu said over 1,872 insurgents have been neutralised, with many others surrendering. These successes, he added, have enabled the return of thousands of internally displaced persons to their communities, exemplified by the recent closure of the IDP camp in Bama, Borno State.
Similar progress was reported in the North-West under Operation Fansan Yamma, and in the North-Central through Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, and Savannah Shield. The Army Chief also noted improved security in the South-East, while anti-oil theft operations in the South-South have boosted crude oil production. He described the South-West as largely peaceful, characterising the Oyo abduction as an isolated incident under full military focus.
To bolster operational capacity, Shaibu revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State bringing the total number of depots to three (Zaria, Osogbo, and Amasiri-Edda). The facilities are projected to train 28,000 recruits. Already, 6,000 soldiers have graduated from Zaria and 5,000 from Osogbo, with Amasiri-Edda expected to produce 3,000 soon.
The Army has also reviewed its training curriculum to enhance counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism skills, while acquiring additional armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Officers and soldiers continue to receive specialised training both locally and internationally.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has pledged full support for the rescue operation. Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, appealed to residents to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and share useful intelligence with security agencies. The Army has reassured Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security nationwide.
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