COAS Expresses Confidence in Rescue of Kidnapped Oyo Pupils and Teachers – THISAGE

By Ayo Kehinde

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has expressed confidence that troops would soon rescue the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted by bandits in Oyo State, disclosing that the military has made significant progress in the ongoing operation to free the victims.

Speaking during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day celebration, Shaibu said the rescue mission was steadily progressing and assured Nigerians that the abductees would be reunited with their families.

The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed bandits attacked the Baptist Nursery/Primary School, Yawota; Los Angeles Elementary School, Esiele; and Community Grammar School, Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area of ​​Oyo State, before forcing 39 pupils and seven teachers to take refuge in a nearby forest.

The assurance comes amid persistent public anxiety over the fate of the victims and just a day after the Oyo State government dismissed reports that a ransom had been paid to secure their release, insisting that no payment had been made and that rescue efforts were continuing in collaboration with security agencies.

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

He expressed optimism that the ongoing operation will culminate in the safe rescue of all the abducted pupils and teachers.

Shaibu said the rescue mission in Oyo was part of larger military operations conducted across the country’s six geopolitical zones to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

Reviewing the Army’s operational activities nationwide, the COAS said that troops of Operation Hadin Kai continued to record significant victories against insurgents in the North East.

According to him, the operation recently neutralized Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as a high-profile commander of the Islamic State, during a joint operation conducted with the support of US partners.

He revealed that Operation Hadin Kai had neutralized more than 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists had surrendered following continuous military offensives.

The army chief said the improving security situation in the North East has allowed many IDPs to return to their communities, citing the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Bama, Borno State, as evidence of growing stability in the region.

In the northwest, Shaibu said Operation Fansan Yamma continued to dismantle bandit networks through coordinated offensives that led to the elimination of criminal elements and the recovery of weapons.

He also highlighted the gains recorded in the North Central through Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and the new Operation Savannah Shield, saying the operations have strengthened security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi states.

In the south-east, the COAS said the security situation had improved significantly, noting that no disruptions had been reported during the latest Christmas celebrations.

He added that sustained military operations in the South-South have helped increase crude oil production by curbing illegal supply, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

“In the South-South, the nation’s oil production has improved, which is a testament to the success of operations against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism,” he said.

Describing the South West as one of the most peaceful regions in the country, Shaibu noted that the recent kidnapping in Oyo remains an isolated incident which security forces are determined to resolve.

The Army Chief further revealed that the Federal Government has approved new measures to strengthen Army personnel to deal with emerging security threats across the country.

He announced that President Bola Tinubu has 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, Kaduna State; Osogbo, Osun State; and Amasiri-Edda is expected to recruit and train 28,000 young Nigerians.

“I recently directed the recruitment of 28,000 young Nigerians to augment manpower for our various operations across the country. So far, Zaria Depot has graduated 6,000 soldiers, Osogbo has graduated 5,000, while Amasiri-Edda will soon graduate 3,000, bringing the total to 14,000,” he said.

Shaibu further revealed that the Nigerian Army had revised its training program to place greater emphasis on marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

He explained that recruits now undergo about 11 months of intensive military training, including advanced infantry exercises and acclimatization programs aimed at preparing them for modern warfare.

The COAS added that the Army has acquired additional armored vehicles, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance operational effectiveness, while officers and soldiers have continued to receive specialized training both within and outside Nigeria.

“The acquisition of armed and surveillance drones, coupled with enhanced aviation capabilities, has improved response times and operational success in operational theaters,” he said.

Shaibu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria, defeat criminal groups and ensure the safety of citizens in all parts of the country.