Forty-six pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained freedom after spending 56 days in captivity, with the Nigerian Army confirming they are now receiving medical treatment before being reunited with their families.

The victims — 39 pupils and 7 teachers — were kidnapped on May 15, 2026 from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; and L.A. Primary School by JAS terrorists dislodged from the North-East.

HOW THE RESCUE HAPPENED

According to the Presidency, the victims were freed in a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Police Force.

President Bola Tinubu said on Friday that he was “profoundly happy” with the rescue. He confirmed that no ransom was paid and no detained suspect was released despite the abductors’ demands of ₦1bn, release of terrorist commanders, and 2 Hilux vehicles.

The President added that 8 of the assailants have been arrested while an unspecified number were killed during the operation.

An ex-DSS operative involved in the operation explained to Punch how weeks of intelligence gathering, ICT tracking, and pressure in the forests forced the terrorists to abandon the victims.

SOLDIERS ON THE GROUND

New photos released by Punch show soldiers and a senior General leading the rescue operation in the forests of Oriire LGA. Other images show troops in tactical gear, military vehicles deployed, and the rescued pupils and teachers gathered together shortly after being freed.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, had directed aerial surveillance and deployed special forces. The operation was not without casualties — 3 soldiers, including a Lieutenant, were killed after troops came under attack twice. Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the deaths.

President Tinubu had earlier approved 1,000 forest guards and a specialised tactical rescue unit for Oyo. A high-powered FG delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila also visited the affected communities.

CURRENT STATUS

The Army said the rescued pupils and teachers are currently undergoing medical checks to ensure they are stable after weeks in the bush. They will be reunited with their families once cleared by doctors.

Governor Makinde described the rescue as “a major relief” and thanked security agencies for ending weeks of anxiety for parents and residents.

The government maintained it will not negotiate with terrorists, warning that paying ransom would embolden criminal groups.

SOURCE: The PUNCH, Presidency, Nigerian Army, Oyo State Government.