Nigerian Army Makes Progress In Rescue Of Abducted Oyo Pupils

Army Makes Progress in Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers – COASBy Adeola BadruThe Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that the military is making significant progress in ongoing efforts to rescue the 46 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State.Shaibu gave the assurance during an interactive session with media executives as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to addressing security challenges across the country.The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were abducted on May 15, 2026, from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.”Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the Army Chief said, expressing optimism that all the victims would be rescued safely.

He noted that the Nigerian Army remains actively engaged in operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to combat insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.Speaking on the North-East, Shaibu said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had continued to record major successes against insurgent groups. He revealed that troops recently eliminated a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during a joint operation conducted with United States partners.According to him, more than 1,872 insurgents have been neutralised, while many others have surrendered to the military. He added that the improved security situation in parts of the North-East has enabled thousands of internally displaced persons to return to their communities, citing the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Bama, Borno State.

The Army Chief also highlighted achievements under Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West and Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and Savannah Shield in the North-Central, noting that the operations have significantly improved security in affected states.He said security has equally improved in the South-East, while sustained operations against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism have contributed to increased oil production in the South-South.Describing the South-West as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful regions, Shaibu said the abduction in Oyo State was an isolated incident receiving the military’s full attention.On efforts to strengthen the Army’s operational capacity, the COAS disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, increasing the number of Army depots nationwide to three.He explained that the depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri-Edda are expected to train 28,000 recruits to boost the Army’s manpower.

According to him, 6,000 soldiers have graduated from the Zaria depot, 5,000 from Osogbo, while Amasiri-Edda is expected to graduate 3,000 recruits soon.Shaibu further disclosed that the Army has reviewed its training curriculum to enhance counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism capabilities, while procuring additional armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to improve operational effectiveness.

He added that officers and soldiers continue to undergo specialised training both within and outside Nigeria.Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ongoing rescue efforts.The Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the state government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.

He urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading rumours and provide useful information that could assist security agencies in their operations, assuring that the government would continue to support security agencies until all the victims are safely rescued.