After more than 50 days in captivity, pupils, students and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation by Nigerian security agencies.
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 Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities, abducting dozens of pupils, students and teachers. During the attack, one of the abducted teachers was reportedly killed by the kidnappers.
How the Victims Were Rescued
According to government officials, the rescue followed weeks of intelligence-driven operations involving the Nigeria Police Force, military personnel, intelligence agencies and other security operatives.
The security agencies intensified surveillance of the kidnappers’ hideouts, tracked their movements and mounted sustained pressure through coordinated operations. During the mission, several suspected kidnappers were arrested, while others were neutralised. The remaining suspects fled as security forces closed in, allowing the victims to be rescued safely without further casualties.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the successful operation as the end of a traumatic ordeal that had lasted more than 50 days and expressed relief that the victims had finally regained their freedom.
Tinubu Commends Security Agencies
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu praised the bravery, professionalism and resilience of the security personnel who participated in the rescue operation.
The President said the successful mission demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to rid the country of kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal elements threatening the safety of Nigerians.
He also expressed sympathy to the family of the teacher who was killed during the abduction and assured that those responsible for the crime would be apprehended and prosecuted.
FG’s Earlier Intervention
Before the rescue, President Tinubu had ordered a massive security operation, deploying specialised rescue teams and directing the nation’s security chiefs to ensure the safe return of the victims. He also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State to strengthen security around vulnerable communities and forests, while considering requests for a military base in the affected area.
The successful rescue has brought relief to families, residents and the Oyo State Government, ending weeks of anxiety over one of the most significant school abductions recorded in southwestern Nigeria.