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The Nigerian Army has revealed that security forces sustained casualties during the operation to rescue more than 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from Oriire in Oyo State in May.
The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, including the school principal, Alamu Folawe, were rescued during a coordinated operation involving the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force on Friday.
The Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said in a statement issued on Saturday morning that the operation lasted for more than a month.
According to him, multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other locations across the country.
“These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted,” he said.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces.”
He added that the pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course to be reunited with their families.
Danjuma thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing the strategic guidance, support and resources that contributed to the successful rescue operation. He also expressed appreciation to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, the Directors General of the DSS and NIA, and other security agencies for their collaboration.
He further thanked the media and Nigerians for their support and urged the public to remain vigilant by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
KIDNAPPED STUDENTS AND TEACHERS IN OYO STATE RESCUED FOLLOWING, SURGICAL INTENSE AND WELL COORDINATED OPERATIONS IN OLD OYO NATIONAL PARK AND OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY
1. Following an intelligence-led carefully planned and executed operations, on 10 July 2026, troops of the… pic.twitter.com/KmIXHEaBz9
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) July 10, 2026
