How joint security forces rescued abducted Oyo schoolchildren, killed kidnappers, arrested eight suspects

How joint security forces rescued abducted Oyo schoolchildren, killed kidnappers, arrested eight suspects

After enduring 56 days in captivity, dozens of abducted schoolchildren and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have finally regained their freedom following a coordinated military-led rescue operation involving multiple Nigerian security agencies.

The rescue, carried out on Friday, brought an end to one of the most traumatic school kidnapping incidents in the South-West in recent years. According to the Presidency, the operation was driven by intelligence gathered over several weeks and involved the Nigerian military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies working in close coordination.

During the operation, security forces arrested eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised during gun battles. The arrested suspects are currently in the custody of the DSS and are expected to face prosecution after investigations.

President Bola Tinubu described the operation as a major victory against terrorism and kidnapping, saying the successful rescue demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained intelligence-led security operations. He praised members of the armed forces, DSS and the police for working tirelessly for nearly two months to secure the victims’ freedom without causing collateral damage. (Reuters)

The President also pledged that justice would be served for the murdered teacher, Michael Oyedokun, and every other victim affected by the attack.

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists and led to the arrest of eight others,” Tinubu said.

He directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other relevant agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care, trauma counselling and humanitarian support for the rescued children and teachers.

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The President further urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around schools and vulnerable communities to prevent similar attacks.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen riding motorcycles simultaneously attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele in Oriire Local Government Area.

The attackers abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, forcing them into the forests around the Old Oyo National Park.

The attack claimed the life of Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan, who was shot while attempting to shield pupils during the invasion. Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by the kidnappers while in captivity, sparking nationwide outrage.

The abduction paralysed academic activities across parts of Oyo State and triggered widespread protests by parents, labour unions, teachers and civil society organisations demanding the immediate rescue of the victims.

In response, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed public school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike beginning June 1. The industrial action lasted for one month before it was suspended on July 1 after government assurances that rescue efforts had intensified and additional security measures would be implemented.

The prolonged closure of schools also disrupted the state’s Common Entrance Examination, forcing authorities to postpone the exercise until August.

Throughout the 56-day ordeal, security agencies maintained that an intelligence-driven strategy offered the best chance of rescuing the victims alive. The military, DSS, police, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, forest guards and other security outfits sustained coordinated surveillance, aerial reconnaissance and ground operations across forests and difficult terrain believed to be used by the kidnappers.

Just days before the rescue, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed that troops were making “significant progress” and expressed confidence that the abducted children and teachers would soon regain their freedom. (The Guardian Nigeria)

During their captivity, the abductors released several videos showing the victims pleading for government intervention. The emotional appeals by the principal of Community Grammar School, Mrs Rachael Alamu, drew national attention and intensified calls for urgent action. She appealed to the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, security agencies, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and well-meaning Nigerians to help secure their release.

She also dismissed claims circulating online that the kidnappers had demanded ₦1 billion ransom, weapons or the imposition of Sharia law, warning that misinformation could undermine ongoing rescue efforts.

The Federal Government responded by dispatching a high-powered delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, alongside National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, senior military officers, police leadership and ministers to reassure the affected communities that every available resource was being deployed to rescue the victims.

President Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security across Oyo State and improve surveillance in forested areas vulnerable to criminal activities.

Governor Seyi Makinde repeatedly assured residents that the state government was working closely with federal authorities and security agencies to secure the victims’ release. He visited affected communities, held regular security meetings and appealed to residents to support ongoing operations by providing credible intelligence.

Following their rescue, the pupils and teachers expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and members of the security agencies for securing their freedom.

In a video released by the Presidency, one of the rescued victims thanked the President and security personnel for their commitment and courage.

“We are grateful, Mr President. We appreciate your commitment to our safety. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are alive today. Thank you very much,” the victim said.

Security experts say the successful rescue represents one of the most significant hostage recovery operations in Nigeria this year and demonstrates the growing use of intelligence-driven tactics in tackling mass kidnappings. Authorities have vowed to continue operations to apprehend other members of the criminal network and prevent future attacks on schools and communities.

How joint security forces rescued abducted Oyo schoolchildren, killed kidnappers, arrested eight suspects