The Nigerian Army said that a sustained, intelligence‑led campaign and the dismantling of a terrorist network produced the unconditional release of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in May from three schools in Oyo State.
The hostages—taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community High School (Ahoro‑Esinele) and L.A. Primary School (Ahoro‑Esinele) on May 15—were held for 56 days, the army said.
NewsQuest previously reported that 46 people—39 pupils and seven teachers—were seized during the raid.
Two teachers, identified as Adegboye Adesiyan and Michael Oyedokun, died; one was killed during the attack and another in captivity, reducing the number released to 44.
In a statement, Major Jonah Danjuma, spokesman for the Army’s 2 Division in Ibadan, said the rescue followed “more than a month” of coordinated operations aimed at the group’s leadership, logistics and informant network.
The effort, he said, was led by the division’s General Officer Commanding, CR Nnebeife, and involved the Office of the National Security Adviser, the State Security Service, the National Intelligence Agency, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the police and other security and paramilitary units, as well as local vigilante groups.
“The arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement said, adding that security forces made multiple arrests in Oyo State and other parts of the country and struck suspected hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park forest.
The military said operations were planned to maximise the safety of the hostages and to avoid collateral damage. It acknowledged casualties among security personnel during the campaign but did not provide numbers or identities.
President Bola Tinubu praised the security forces for their “heroic” efforts, saying many of the militants had been killed and eight arrested.
He directed emergency agencies and the Oyo State government to provide medical and relief assistance to the children and teachers, and vowed to pursue justice for the victims.
Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde echoed appreciation for the operation and stressed that no ransom had been paid, according to officials.
The rescued pupils and teachers are being treated at an undisclosed medical facility and are expected to be reunited with their families under the care of state authorities, the army said.
It added that follow‑up operations would continue to track remaining members of the network and dismantle associated cells.
