44 Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Freed After One-Month Secret Security Operation, Army Reveals

 

The Nigerian Army has revealed how a month-long intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the victims regained their freedom on July 10 after what it described as a “carefully planned and executed” operation targeting the kidnappers’ network.

According to the statement, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, and involved personnel from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes.

The Army disclosed that the operation lasted for more than one month and focused on tracking the kidnappers’ leaders, dismantling their network and cutting off their logistics and support systems.

According to the military, security operatives also identified and raided several hideouts used by the suspects within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.

Several suspects were arrested during the operation in Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria.

The Army said the arrests disrupted the activities of the criminal group and mounted enough pressure on the kidnappers to release the 44 victims unconditionally.

Military authorities added that the operation was carefully planned to ensure that none of the abducted pupils or teachers was harmed during the rescue.

However, the Army confirmed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation but did not disclose the number of officers affected.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.

The military also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic support for the operation and thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Defence Headquarters, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as other security agencies for their collaboration.

The Army further commended local hunters, Amotekun operatives, vigilantes and members of the public for providing useful information that contributed to the success of the operation.

It assured Nigerians that further operations would continue to ensure that all those involved in the kidnapping are arrested and brought to justice.

Kemi Olunloyo Questions Official Account of Oriire Rescue, Raises Fresh Questions About Oyo Abduction Case

 Investigative journalist Dr. Kemi Olunloyo has questioned the Federal Government’s account of the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, arguing that several aspects of the operation remain unexplained.

In a statement shared on social media, Olunloyo disputed the official narrative that security forces carried out a successful rescue operation, claiming instead that there was no such operation. She did not provide evidence to support that assertion.

The Federal Government has maintained that the victims were rescued during a coordinated operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while others were neutralised.

President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde have both commended the security agencies for the rescue and described the operation as a major breakthrough.

However, Olunloyo argued that several unanswered questions warrant closer scrutiny.

Among the issues she raised were why photographs released after the rescue appeared to show fewer people than the total number reportedly abducted, why the rescued pupils were not seen wearing school uniforms, why some of the alleged kidnappers had not been publicly presented, and why biscuits were distributed to the children shortly after their release.

She also questioned remarks made by the school principal during the reception of the rescued victims, suggesting the address appeared rehearsed.

Olunloyo’s comments have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some users calling for greater transparency from authorities, while others accused her of making allegations without presenting supporting evidence.

As of the time of this report, neither the Presidency nor the Oyo State Government had responded to the specific questions raised by Olunloyo.

The official position of the Federal Government remains that the victims were rescued through a security operation conducted after nearly two months in captivity, with several suspects arrested and others killed during the mission.

Shemariah Media has not independently verified the claims made by Dr. Olunloyo.

Breaking: Oyo Government Demolishes Building Allegedly Used as Kidnappers’ Hideout in Adelabu Family Abduction

The Oyo State Government has demolished a three-bedroom bungalow in the Lako Community along Aiyegun-Anaye Road, Ibadan, which was allegedly used as a hideout by kidnappers involved in the abduction of a relative of former Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu.

The demolished building was reportedly linked to the kidnapping of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, a younger sister of the former minister, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.

The demolition exercise was carried out on Monday by officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Public Works and Transportation, accompanied by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force. The operation formed part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities across Oyo State.

According to available information, Mrs. John-Paul and her two sons were abducted on June 3, 2026, at the Elewura area of Challenge in Ibadan. The incident sparked concern among residents and renewed calls for stronger measures to address insecurity in the state.

Speaking on the government’s action, officials said the demolition sends a strong message to criminal elements that Oyo State will not tolerate the use of residential properties or any other facilities for unlawful activities.

The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening security measures, supporting law enforcement agencies, and dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.

Authorities also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies to aid efforts aimed at preventing crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

The demolition is one of several steps being taken by the state government to address security challenges and reinforce public confidence in ongoing efforts to protect communities across Oyo State.