A month-long, multi-agency intelligence-led operation led by the GOC 2 Division Nigerian Army dismantled the terrorist syndicate behind the May 15 Oriire school abduction — targeting its leadership, logistics network and forest hideouts — forcing kidnappers to unconditionally release all 44 abducted pupils and teachers, the Nigerian Army has disclosed.
It took a month, multiple agencies, Special Forces from three military branches — and it ended with the kidnappers simply giving up.
The Nigerian Army has released a detailed account of the operation that freed 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, describing a carefully coordinated, intelligence-driven offensive that systematically destroyed the criminal network behind the abduction until the kidnappers had no choice but to release their captives unconditionally.
Vanguard reports that the operation was led by Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NIA, NSCDC, local vigilantes, hunters and the Amotekun Corps.
According to a statement by Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the month-long offensive targeted the syndicate’s kingpins, logistics chains, informants and hideouts deep within the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other locations across the country.
“These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the Army stated.
The statement confirmed that security forces sustained casualties during the operation, acknowledging that some personnel “paid the ultimate price” — though no figures were provided. The Army stressed the mission was deliberately planned to avoid collateral damage while ensuring the safe return of all hostages.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for family reunification.
Major General Nnebeife commended the professionalism of all participating agencies, describing the outcome as a demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-led, inter-agency security collaboration.
Further operations against remnants of the syndicate, the Army confirmed, are ongoing.
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