Army Confirms Casualties In Rescue Of Kidnapped Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers

THE Nigerian Military has revealed that security forces suffered casualties in the operations that led to the rescue of kidnapped Oyo School children and teachers.

Security forces on 10 July 2026 announced the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire local government area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.

A statement by the Acting Deputy Director 2 Division Army Public Relations Lt-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma said troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General CR Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) specifically the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC),the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy the Air Force and the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies as well as local vigilantes/hunters/Amotekuns, on 10 July rescued the victims in an intelligence-led carefully planned and executed operations

He said the operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State.

He noted that as part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some States in the Country.

The Military 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.

The Division said further operations are to be conducted within the area of responsibility.

“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 said.

The statement noted further that the pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course so as to be reunited with their families.

The GOC 2 Division thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the Strategic Guidance, Support and for all the provisions that made the operations a huge success.

He also expressed appreciation to the governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde and indeed the good people of the state for their continuous support to security agencies especially during the trying period.