Nigeria’s security agencies have rescued all 39 pupils and 7 teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, ending a 56-day hostage crisis that gripped the Southwest.
President Bola Tinubu announced the rescue on Friday, saying he was “profoundly happy” with the outcome of the military operation. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga also confirmed the development on X: “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.”
The Abduction
The victims were taken on *May 15, 2026* during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community High School in Ahoro-Esiele, and L.A. Primary School in Oriire.
The abducted included children aged 2 to 16. According to officials, one of the teachers was killed in captivity.
The gunmen initially demanded the release of detained Ansaru commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles, and the implementation of Sharia-related laws.
The Rescue
Tinubu said the operation also led to the arrest of 8 suspects and the killing of an unspecified number of assailants.
“This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular,” the President said in a statement.
He expressed gratitude to the armed forces, intelligence agencies and police “for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers”.
Chief of Army Staff had earlier said troops were “making tremendous progress” in the rescue mission during activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Port Harcourt.
Background
School kidnappings have become a major security challenge in Nigeria, with criminal gangs targeting students for ransom. Attacks are less frequent in the Southwest, which officials described as one of the country’s most peaceful regions.
The Oyo State Police Command had earlier debunked viral social media reports claiming the victims had been released, urging the public to rely only on official channels.
What’s Next
The government said it “will get justice for these children and their teachers” and for the family of the teacher “who the terrorists gruesomely murdered”.
Authorities have not yet announced details of medical and psychosocial support for the rescued victims.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
