Abducted Oyo Pupils: Army Chief Says Rescue Mission Making Progress

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, has said the Nigerian Army is making progress in efforts to rescue the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State. He gave the update on Saturday during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15 after gunmen attacked three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. According to the army chief, troops are still carrying out operations to secure their release and are optimistic that the victims will soon be reunited with their families.

Shaibu also spoke on the military’s operations across the country, saying the Nigerian Army remains active in all six geopolitical zones to tackle different security threats.

He said troops under Operation Hadin Kai in the North East have continued to record successes against insurgents and terrorist groups. He disclosed that the operation recently eliminated a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during a joint effort involving partners from the United States. He added that more than 1,800 insurgents had been killed, while many others had surrendered to the military.

According to him, the improved security situation in the North East has allowed many displaced residents to return home, pointing to the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Bama, Borno State.

In the North West, Shaibu said Operation Fansan Yamma has continued to weaken armed bandit groups through military offensives and the recovery of weapons.

He added that operations in the North Central, including Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and the newly introduced Operation Savannah Shield, have improved security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi State.

Speaking on the South East, the army chief said security has improved, noting that the region recorded a peaceful Christmas period without major disruptions.

He also stated that military operations in the South South have helped increase Nigeria’s oil production by reducing illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

Shaibu described the South West as largely peaceful apart from the recent school abduction in Oyo State.

The army chief further revealed that the Federal Government has approved measures to strengthen the Nigerian Army by increasing manpower. He said President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the number of army depots to three.

According to him, the depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri-Edda are expected to recruit and train about 28,000 young Nigerians. He said 6,000 soldiers have already graduated from the Zaria depot, while 5,000 completed training in Osogbo. Another 3,000 recruits are expected to graduate soon from the Ebonyi depot.

Shaibu explained that the Army has updated its training programme to focus more on marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. New recruits now undergo about 11 months of military training, including advanced infantry exercises and field adaptation.

He also disclosed that the Army has acquired additional armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to improve its operations. He added that soldiers are receiving specialised training both within Nigeria and abroad to operate the new equipment effectively.

The army chief said the introduction of armed and surveillance drones, along with stronger aviation support, has improved the military’s response to security threats across different parts of the country. He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting lives, defending the nation and responding to emerging security challenges.