The Nigerian Army has expressed confidence that the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State will soon regain their freedom, revealing that troops have made significant progress in ongoing rescue operations.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, gave the assurance during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration. He disclosed that military personnel are intensifying efforts to locate and safely rescue the victims, who were kidnapped on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to the Army Chief, security forces are making tremendous progress in the operation and remain optimistic that the abducted pupils and teachers will be reunited with their families. While he did not reveal specific operational details for security reasons, he assured Nigerians that the rescue mission remains active and is being pursued with determination...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Shaibu also highlighted the Nigerian Army’s broader security operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones, noting that troops have continued to record major successes against terrorists, insurgents, bandits and other criminal groups. He pointed to recent achievements by Operation Hadin Kai in the North East, including the elimination of a high profile Islamic State commander and the surrender of many insurgents, saying the improved security situation has enabled displaced communities to begin returning to their homes.
He added that military operations in the North West, North Central, South East and South South have continued to weaken criminal networks, improve public safety and protect critical national assets. According to him, these efforts have contributed to increased stability in several parts of the country, while the South West has remained largely peaceful apart from the tragic Oyo school abduction.
The Army Chief further disclosed that the Federal Government has approved measures to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s manpower and operational capacity. He said President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Army Depot in Ebonyi State, while thousands of new recruits are being trained to reinforce ongoing security operations nationwide. He also revealed that the Army has acquired modern equipment, including armoured personnel carriers, mine resistant vehicles and surveillance drones, to improve response times and operational effectiveness.
The abduction of the pupils and teachers shocked Nigerians and renewed concerns over the safety of schools, particularly following a series of mass kidnappings recorded across the country in recent years. Families of the victims have continued to hope for their safe return as security agencies intensify efforts to bring the prolonged ordeal to an end.
