Why Terrorists Unconditionally Released Oyo 44 pupils, teachers – Military
Terrorist group who abducted a total of 44 school pupils and teachers from Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, May 15, 2026, “unconditionally released” them after a coordinated Joint Inter-Agency Task Force operations, exerted pressure and overwhelmed them.
Guardian reports that the task force comprise 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, 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.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Damjuma, the Task Force was led by General Commanding Officer (GOC) 2 Divison, Maj.-Gen. C R. Nnebeife.
Damjuma said the month-long operations focused on identifying the terrorists kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, busting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.
“As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some States in 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,” he said.
Damjuma said 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 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 on behalf of all the participating agencies thanked President Bola Tinubu for the strategic guidance, support and for all the provisions that made the operations a huge success.
Guardian reports also said Nnebeife thanked the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde and indeed the people of the state for their continous support to security agencies especially during the trying period.
He appreciated the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Minster of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police and the Directors General DSS and NIA as well as Heads of other Security Agencies for their support and for the opportunity to relate directly with all the security agencies to ensure a seamless coordination and execution of the operations.
“We sincerely thank the various media houses and indeed the entire Nigeria populace for their support, understanding and for having faith in the security architecture of the Nation. We urge all to remain vigilant and continue to support all security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in the ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties across Nigeria.”
