Some Of Kidnappers Behind Oyo Pupils, Teachers Abduction Escaped – Source

All the pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued following a joint operation by the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Security sources who spoke with Security Analyst, Zagazola Makama, said the victims were rescued alive during an intelligence-led operation conducted in the early hours of Friday after more than 50 days in captivity.

The operation reportedly followed weeks of surveillance and coordinated efforts by security agencies to identify the location of the kidnappers and track their movements.

According to sources familiar with the rescue mission, troops and police operatives stormed the kidnappers’ hideout after receiving actionable intelligence from the DSS.

The security personnel reportedly encountered resistance from the armed gang after arriving at the hideout, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

Sources said at least nine suspected kidnappers were killed during the confrontation. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped into nearby bushes with injuries, abandoning the abducted pupils and teachers.

The security team subsequently secured the area and rescued all the surviving victims.

The pupils and teachers were said to have undergone preliminary medical examinations and debriefing by security agencies following their rescue.

They are being evacuated to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where they are expected to be formally received by Governor Seyi Makinde.

The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed men launched coordinated attacks on three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

At least 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken away during the attacks.

Teacher Killed In Captivity

One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was killed by the kidnappers while in captivity.

His reported killing had heightened concerns about the safety of the remaining victims as their captivity stretched beyond 50 days.

Security sources said troops had intensified operations around the area to locate the remaining members of the kidnapping gang who fled during the gun battle.

The operatives are also reportedly combing surrounding forests and communities to prevent the suspects from regrouping or escaping from the area.