COAS Expresses Confidence on Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers – THISAGE

By Ayo Kehinde 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has expressed confidence that troops would soon rescue the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted by bandits in Oyo State, disclosing that the military had made significant progress in the ongoing operation to free the victims.

Speaking during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu said the rescue mission was advancing steadily and assured Nigerians that the abductees would be reunited with their families.

 The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed bandits attacked Baptist Nursery/Primary School, Yawota; L.A. Primary School, Esiele; and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, before forcing 39 pupils and seven teachers into a nearby forest.

The assurance comes amid sustained public anxiety over the fate of the victims and barely a day after the Oyo State Government dismissed reports claiming that ransom had been paid to secure their release, insisting that no payment had been made and that rescue efforts were continuing in collaboration with security agencies.

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

He expressed optimism that the ongoing operation would culminate in the safe rescue of all the abducted pupils and teachers.

Shaibu said the rescue mission in Oyo was part of wider military operations being conducted across the country’s six geopolitical zones to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats.

Reviewing the Army’s operational activities nationwide, the COAS said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had continued to record significant victories against insurgents in the North-East.

According to him, the operation recently neutralised Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as a high-profile commander of the Islamic State, during a joint operation conducted with support from the United States partners.

He disclosed that Operation Hadin Kai had neutralised more than 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists had surrendered following sustained military offensives.

The Army Chief said the improved security situation in the North-East had enabled many internally displaced persons to return to their communities, citing the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Bama, Borno State, as evidence of growing stability in the region.

In the North-West, Shaibu said Operation Fansan Yamma had continued to dismantle bandit networks through coordinated offensives that led to the elimination of criminal elements and the recovery of weapons.

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He also highlighted gains recorded in the North-Central through Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield, saying the operations had strengthened security across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger, and parts of Kogi states.

On the South-East, the COAS said the security situation had improved considerably, noting that there were no reported disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations.

He added that sustained military operations in the South-South had contributed to increased crude oil production by curbing illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, and pipeline vandalism.

“In the South South, the nation’s oil output has improved, which is a testament to the success of operations against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism,” he said.

Describing the South-West as one of the country’s most peaceful regions, Shaibu noted that the recent abduction in Oyo remained an isolated incident which security forces were determined to resolve.

The Army Chief also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved fresh measures to strengthen the Army’s manpower to confront emerging security threats across the country.

He announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, increasing the number of Army depots to three.

According to him, the depots in Zaria, Kaduna State; Osogbo, Osun State; and Amasiri-Edda 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 revealed that the Nigerian Army had reviewed its training curriculum to place greater emphasis on marksmanship, counter-insurgency, and counter-terrorism operations.

He explained that recruits now undergo approximately 11 months of intensive military training, including advanced infantry exercises and acclimatisation programmes aimed at preparing them for modern warfare.

The COAS added that the Army had acquired additional armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles, and unmanned aerial vehicles to improve operational effectiveness, while officers and soldiers continued to receive specialised training both within and outside Nigeria.

“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 protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity, defeating criminal groups, and ensuring the safety of citizens across all parts of the country.