Army Chief Speaks On Plan To Rescue Oyo School Pupils, Teachers

The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has said troops are making “tremendous progress” in efforts to rescue the 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

NEWSNGR reports that Shaibu spoke on Saturday during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day.

Gunmen had attacked three schools in Oriire LGA on May 15, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, including the principal of one of the affected schools.

One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed in captivity. The abduction sparked outrage on social media and protests demanding the victims’ release.

Speaking on the incident, Shaibu said military operations were ongoing to secure the release of the victims.

“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo state, and we are making tremendous progress,” he said.

The army chief said troops remained engaged in operations across the six geopolitical zones to tackle insecurity.

He said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded successes against terrorists in the North-East.

“Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised over 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists have surrendered to troops,” he said.

Shaibu added that improved security had enabled displaced persons to return to their communities, citing the closure of the internally displaced persons’ camp in Bama, Borno State.

He said Operation Fansan Yamma had also continued operations against bandit groups in the North-West.