After 56 days in captivity, all the schoolchildren and teachers abducted by gunmen from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom following a coordinated military, police and intelligence-led operation.
The Presidency announced on Friday, July 10, 2026, that security forces successfully rescued 39 schoolchildren and six teachers who were kidnapped during attacks on their schools on Friday, May 15, 2026, bringing an end to a nationwide search that lasted nearly two months.
The victims were abducted when armed men invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Anglican Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, and Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, forcing pupils and teachers into nearby forests.
A statement issued by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said the rescue operation led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised during the mission without any reported collateral damage.
Reacting to the development, Bola Tinubu expressed relief over the successful operation.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Orire, Ogbomoso, in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu added, “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.”
He also commended the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and the Nigeria Police Force for their persistence throughout the operation, while praising the Oyo State Government for its cooperation during the rescue efforts.
The abduction shocked the country and marked one of the most significant school attacks in southwestern Nigeria in recent years, with parents, civil society groups and education stakeholders repeatedly calling for the victims’ safe return.
Although all surviving victims have now been rescued, one of the abducted teachers was killed shortly after the attack, underscoring the human cost of the prolonged ordeal.