Army Chief Says Troops Making Significant Progress in Rescue of Kidnapped Oyo Pupils

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has expressed optimism that the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State will soon regain their freedom, revealing that military operations to rescue the victims have recorded significant progress.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, after gunmen attacked three schools in Orire LGA, an incident that sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the safety of schools across Nigeria.

Speaking during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt on Saturday as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu assured Nigerians that troops remain actively engaged in efforts to secure the release of the abductees.

"Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress," the Army Chief said.

He expressed confidence that the ongoing operation would end successfully and that the victims would soon be reunited with their families.

Beyond the Oyo rescue mission, Shaibu said the Nigerian Army continues to sustain intensive military operations across the country's six geopolitical zones in response to evolving security threats.

According to him, troops have continued to record major successes against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups through coordinated operations involving ground forces, intelligence gathering and aerial support.

The Army Chief said Operation Hadin Kai has continued to weaken insurgent groups operating in the North-East.

He disclosed that troops recently eliminated Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as a high-profile commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), during an operation carried out in collaboration with partners from the United States.

According to Shaibu, the operation has so far neutralised more than 1,872 insurgents, while many others have surrendered to military authorities.

He added that the improved security situation has enabled thousands of displaced residents to begin returning to their communities, citing the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Bama, Borno State, as evidence of the gains being recorded.

In the North-West, the Army Chief said troops under Operation Fansan Yamma have continued to dismantle criminal networks through sustained offensives against bandits.

He said several armed criminals had been neutralised, while weapons and other operational equipment were recovered during various military operations.

Shaibu also highlighted successes recorded in the North-Central, where Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield have strengthened security across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi states.

In the South-East, he said the security environment has improved considerably compared to previous years.

According to him, there were no major security disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations, a development he attributed to sustained military operations against criminal groups in the region.

Speaking on the South-South, the Army Chief linked Nigeria's improved crude oil production to intensified military operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining, pipeline vandalism and other economic sabotage.

He said sustained operations have significantly curtailed illegal bunkering activities, helping to improve oil output and protect critical national assets.

Shaibu also described the South-West as one of Nigeria's most peaceful regions, noting that the Oyo school abduction remains one of the major recent security incidents in the zone.

The Army Chief announced that the Federal Government has approved measures to boost the Nigerian Army's manpower to address emerging security challenges.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, increasing the number of army depots nationwide to three.

He explained that the facilities in Zaria (Kaduna State), Osogbo (Osun State) and Amasiri-Edda (Ebonyi State) are expected to recruit and train 28,000 young Nigerians.

"I recently directed the recruitment of 28,000 young Nigerians to enhance manpower for our various operations across the country.

"So far, the Zaria depot has graduated 6,000 soldiers, Osogbo has graduated 5,000, while Amasiri-Edda will soon graduate 3,000, bringing the total to 14,000," he said.

Shaibu further disclosed that the Nigerian Army has upgraded its training curriculum to focus more on marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

According to him, recruits now undergo about 11 months of intensive military training, including advanced infantry exercises and operational acclimatisation programmes.

He added that the Army has also acquired additional armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles, armed drones, surveillance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other specialised equipment to enhance operational effectiveness.

The Army Chief said officers and soldiers are equally undergoing specialised training within and outside Nigeria to ensure they can effectively operate modern military platforms.

"The acquisition of armed and surveillance drones, alongside enhanced aviation capabilities, has improved response times and operational success across theatres of operation," he said.

Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to defending the country's territorial integrity and responding decisively to emerging security threats.

He assured Nigerians that the military would continue working with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to improve national security and protect lives and property across the federation.

The abduction of 39 pupils and seven teachers from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15 prompted widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stronger security around schools. The incident also led to industrial action by teachers before the Oyo State Government engaged stakeholders, resulting in the suspension of the strike while rescue efforts continue.