Army is making “tremendous progress” to rescue abducted Oyo pupils and teachers – COAS

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has expressed optimism that the 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State will soon regain freedom, saying the ongoing military operations are making significant progress.

Shaibu gave the assurance on Sunday during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day celebration.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, after gunmen attacked three schools in Orire Local Government Area of ​​Oyo State, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over school security.

Providing an update on the rescue efforts, the army chief said troops remained actively involved in the operation and were closing in on the kidnappers.

“Operations are currently underway to rescue abducted children in Oyo State and we are making tremendous progress,” Shaibu said.

He expressed confidence that the pupils and their teachers will soon be reunited with their families.

PLATFORM TIMES reports that the kidnapping remained one of the country’s most disturbing mass abductions in recent months, with security agencies under pressure to secure the victims’ release.

Shaibu said the rescue mission was part of a broader military offensive across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones aimed at combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Highlighting achievements in the northeast, he revealed that Operation Hadin Kai troops recently eliminated a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during a joint operation with US partners.

According to him, the operation neutralized over 1,872 rebels, while many others surrendered to the military.

He added that improved security in some parts of Borno State has allowed displaced residents to return home, leading to the recent closure of the IDP camp in Bama.

In the northwest, Shaibu said Operation Fansan Yamma troops continued to dismantle bandit networks through sustained offensives and the recovery of weapons and ammunition.

He also listed Operations Enduring Freedom, Whirlwind and the recent Operation Savannah Shield as key interventions to strengthen security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi State.

The army chief further said that security has improved significantly in the South-East, while sustained operations against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the South-South have helped increase crude oil production.

He described the South West as one of the most peaceful regions in the country, stressing that the Oyo school kidnapping remains an isolated but serious security challenge.

Shaibu also announced that the Federal Government has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, to increase military recruitment and training.

According to him, the army is currently recruiting 28,000 young Nigerians, thousands of whom have already graduated from training depots in Zaria and Osogbo, while another batch is expected to complete their training in Ebonyi.

He added that the Nigerian Army has updated its training curriculum and acquired modern combat assets, including armored vehicles, mine-resistant vehicles and surveillance drones, to improve its operational capability against evolving security threats.

‘

Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com

We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE