The Nigerian military has released video footage showing moments from the operation that led to the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending more than 50 days in captivity.
The footage shows troops and other security personnel moving through difficult forest terrain during the intelligence-driven mission that eventually secured the victims’ release without the payment of any ransom.
The successful operation, announced on Friday, was carried out through a joint effort involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes.
According to security reports, troops advanced through multiple routes into the forest over a period of three weeks, gradually restricting the movement of the kidnappers and forcing them into a confined area.
The operation also reportedly destroyed key communication facilities and logistics bases used by the criminal group, while security forces took control of strategic locations within the operational zone, weakening the group’s command structure without endangering the captives.
Authorities further disclosed that simultaneous operations targeted the kidnappers’ support network, leading to the arrest of suspected collaborators, informants and logistics providers in nearby communities. Reports also indicated that relatives of suspected Ansaru members were detained in separate operations across the country, contributing to internal divisions within the group and prompting several members to abandon their leader.
Security sources said the combined effect of sustained military pressure, disruption of supply lines and the collapse of the group’s internal coordination eventually forced the kidnappers to release the pupils and teachers unconditionally on July 8, while the overall operation concluded on July 9.
The Nigerian Army stated that the mission was carefully designed to dismantle the kidnappers’ network while ensuring the victims were rescued alive and unharmed.
The military also confirmed that several suspects were arrested during the operation, adding that relentless pressure from security forces compelled the kidnappers to free their captives.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several others were neutralised during the operation.
He reiterated that the Federal Government neither paid ransom nor accepted the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a suspected terrorist leader facing prosecution.
President Bola Tinubu commended the military, intelligence agencies and other security personnel for the successful operation, describing it as a major achievement in the country’s fight against terrorism.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently undergoing medical evaluation and receiving psychological support before being reunited with their families.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed attackers stormed schools in Oriire Local Government Area. Security authorities linked the attack to the Ansaru terrorist group, which they said had been operating from hideouts within the Old Oyo forest.
