Nigeria Smiles as All Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Are Freed

By Princely Onyenwe | 9News Nigeria

ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria heaved a collective sigh of relief on Friday as all the pupils and teachers abducted by armed bandits from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity.

The Presidency announced the successful rescue, describing it as the outcome of a sustained, intelligence-led security operation coordinated by the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies. The operation brought an end to weeks of anxiety for the victims’ families and renewed hope in the country’s fight against kidnapping.

Recall that the victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed assailants stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA, taking dozens of pupils and teachers into captivity. The incident drew widespread condemnation and reignited concerns over the safety of schools across Nigeria.

According to the Presidency, the rescue followed weeks of intensive surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations. Security agencies also arrested eight suspected kidnappers during the operation, while several other members of the criminal gang were reportedly neutralised.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended the courage, professionalism and resilience of the security personnel involved in the operation. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country, while stressing that no ransom was paid and no concession was granted to secure the victims’ freedom.

The successful rescue sparked celebrations across Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria, with parents, relatives and well-wishers expressing gratitude over the safe return of the children and their teachers after nearly two months in captivity.

The latest report supercedes our previous publication on the release of abducted Oyo pupils and teachers’ as this recent development is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most significant anti-kidnapping successes in recent months.

This action by government is expected to strengthen public confidence in the ongoing efforts of security agencies to tackle violent crimes and restore safety in communities nationwide.

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