Army commander behind Oyo school abduction victims’ rescue redeployed, gets successor

A new commander has assumed leadership of the Nigerian Army's 2 Division in Ibadan, Oyo State, following a period marked by a significant internal security operation. Major General Auwalu Mahmuda officially took over as the 56th General Officer Commanding (GOC) from Major General Chinedu Nnebeife on Monday.

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I thank the Chief of Army Staff for finding me worthy of this appointment.

The handover ceremony, held at the 2 Division Headquarters, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, signifies a transition as Nnebeife redeploys to command the newly established 10 Division in Jalingo, Taraba State. Mahmuda's appointment places him at the helm of a division actively engaged in counter-insurgency, anti-kidnapping operations, and broader internal security efforts across Nigeria's Southwest region.

During his tenure, Nnebeife oversaw the successful rescue of over 40 schoolchildren and teachers who had been abducted from schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims were held captive for 56 days after armed men invaded the schools on May 15. Despite the tragic loss of two teachers during the ordeal, the remaining hostages were freed through an intelligence-driven operation coordinated by Nnebeife, which reportedly did not involve paying a ransom.

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I thank the Chief of Army Staff for finding me worthy of this appointment.

Nnebeife described the operation as one of the division's most complex internal security missions, highlighting the challenging terrain, sustained surveillance, and crucial collaboration among security agencies. He emphasized that the success relied on intelligence gathering and patience rather than solely on force.

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The victims were kidnapped on 15 May when armed men invaded the schools, triggering weeks of intensive military operations involving multiple security agencies. Although two teachers were killed while in captivity, the remaining victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in the kidnappers’ den.

Upon assuming command, Major General Mahmuda expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff for the confidence placed in him. He pledged to consolidate the operational gains achieved under his predecessor and assured officers and soldiers of his commitment to enhancing operational effectiveness and security within the division's area of responsibility. He commended Nnebeife's "remarkable achievements" and vowed to maintain the momentum.

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He said the operation relied on intelligence gathering, patience and collaboration among security agencies rather than force alone.