The Oyo pupils rescued after joint security operation followed more than a month of coordinated intelligence gathering that dismantled the kidnappers’ network and forced the unconditional release of the victims, the Nigerian Army has disclosed.
The rescue operation, which involved multiple security agencies under the coordination of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), also triggered a fresh political exchange between the Presidency and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over reactions to the successful mission.
Oyo Pupils Rescued After Joint Security Operation Lasting More Than One Month
In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, military authorities said the operation targeted terrorist hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across Nigeria.
The mission was coordinated by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Maj. Gen. C.R. Nnebeife, and brought together personnel from the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
According to the Army, sustained intelligence-led operations resulted in several arrests across Oyo and other states, disrupting the kidnappers’ network and mounting pressure that eventually compelled the group to release the abducted pupils and teachers without conditions.
Victims Receiving Medical Care
Military authorities confirmed that the rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The Army also disclosed that some security personnel were injured or lost their lives during the operation but did not provide further details.
Presidency and Atiku Exchange Words Over Rescue
Following the successful operation, a political disagreement emerged after Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga accused former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of failing to publicly celebrate the rescue.
In a post on X, Onanuga alleged that Atiku had criticised the Tinubu administration throughout the victims’ captivity but remained silent after their release. He also commended former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi for acknowledging the rescue and calling for thanksgiving.
Atiku Rejects Presidency’s Allegation
Atiku, through his media office, rejected the Presidency’s claims, describing them as inaccurate.
He said he had earlier issued a public statement welcoming the rescue and commending the security agencies involved. However, he maintained his criticism of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that national security should remain the government’s foremost priority while many Nigerians are still in captivity across different parts of the country.
NGF Welcomes Rescue, Makinde Promises Full Briefing
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) congratulated President Tinubu, security agencies and the affected families on the successful operation.
The forum described the rescue as the outcome of months of intelligence gathering, collaboration and disciplined execution by security personnel. It also praised the Oyo State Government for working closely with federal authorities throughout the operation.
Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde visited the rescued victims at the Military Hospital in Ibadan, where they are receiving treatment.
He announced that the state government expects to formally receive the victims after medical evaluation and promised to provide Nigerians with a detailed account of the rescue operation during the coming week.
Why the Rescue Matters
The successful operation represents one of the most significant security breakthroughs in recent months and highlights the growing emphasis on intelligence-led collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies.
It also renews public attention on the need to prevent future school abductions, strengthen community security and sustain coordinated counter-terrorism operations across the country.
The Oyo pupils rescued after joint security operation marks a major achievement for Nigeria’s security agencies after weeks of intelligence-driven operations targeting the kidnappers’ network. While the rescue has been widely welcomed by government officials and stakeholders, it has also sparked political debate over leadership, security priorities and the broader fight against kidnapping and terrorism.
