Updated: Army Reveals ‘Surgical’ Rescue of 44 Pupils, Teachers at Old Oyo National Park

By Samuel Akpan

The Nigerian Army has shared rare details of a highly coordinated, precision operation inside the Old Oyo National Park that successfully rescued 44 kidnapped pupils and teachers. The victims had been held by terrorists since May.

The joint rescue took place on July 10, 2026, led by troops under Maj.-Gen. CR Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division.

The operation involved a massive coalition of forces, including the National Counter Terrorism Center, Defence Headquarters Special Forces from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside the Police, DSS, NIA, NSCDC, local hunters, vigilantes, and the Amotekun Corps.

Persecondnews recalls that rhe victims were abducted from Oriire Local Government Area on May 15 with the terrorists using hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other locations.

According to Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, the rescue was the culmination of a month-long offensive.

The operation specifically targeted the terrorist leaders mastermind the kidnapping, effectively dismantling their informant networks, cutting off their supply lines, and destroying their hideouts inside the Old Oyo National Park Forest.

He said: “Multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some States in the Country. These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted.”

Danjuma further disclosed 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 without casualties.

He, however, revealed that there were some casualties on the part of the security forces during the intense phase of the operations in the forest and other parts.

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, according to him.

On behalf of the GOC and participating agencies, Danjuma expressed sincere appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the strategic guidance, support and provisions that made the operations a huge success.

He also thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and the good people of the state for their continuous support to security agencies especially during the trying period.

The GOC and the agencies further appreciated the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, the Directors General of the DSS and NIA as well as heads of other security agencies for their support and seamless coordination.

Danjuma also thanked the various media houses and the entire Nigerian populace for their support, understanding and faith in the security architecture of the nation.

He urged all to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to assist in safeguarding lives and properties across Nigeria.