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Military: Arrests forced release of kidnapped Oyo teachers, pupils
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Military: Arrests forced release of kidnapped Oyo teachers, pupils

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The military announced that multiple arrests disrupted the activities of a kidnapping group, leading to the unconditional release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
  • The victims, kidnapped on May 15, 2026, were rescued on July 10 following an intelligence-led operation involving various security agencies.
  • The operation focused on dismantling the kidnappers' network and logistics, causing disorganization that pressured the group into releasing the captives safely.

The Nigerian military has revealed that a series of arrests targeting a kidnapping syndicate directly led to the unconditional release of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State. The victims, taken on May 15, 2026, were freed on July 10 after a meticulously coordinated, intelligence-led operation that spanned over a month.

This operation, spearheaded by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, involved a broad coalition of security and intelligence agencies. Participants included the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun, local vigilantes, and hunters.

The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist 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, Oyo State.

— Lieutenant Colonel Jonah DanjumaThe Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, explained the focus of the military operation in a statement.

The military's strategy centered on dismantling the kidnappers' network and logistics chain within the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding areas. By identifying and apprehending key figures, disrupting their communication, and locating their hideouts, the operation completely disorganized the group. This pressure ultimately compelled the terrorists to release the hostages without conditions.

While the operation prioritized the safe recovery of the children and teachers, avoiding collateral damage, the military acknowledged that there were casualties among security forces, though specific details were not provided. The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical attention and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families. The GOC commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde for their support, as well as the National Security Adviser and other service chiefs for their contributions.

The arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers.

— Lieutenant Colonel Jonah DanjumaThe Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, described how the arrests led to the hostages' release.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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