44 abducted Oyo students, teachers freed after 56 days; they’re now at Governor’s Office The 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted on 15 May 2026 from Oriire Local Government Area have been brought to the Oyo State Governor’s Office, Ibadan, ending one of the high-profile kidnapping in the history of the state.
They arrived the office of governor Seyi Makinde after they were rescued by a joint operation of the Nigerian Army, the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in conjunction with local security groups.
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The victims were welcomed by security operatives and government officials as many would be assessed medically. The release was a result of the sustained efforts in Old Oyo National Park and neighbouring forest in a raid which also saw the arrest of their collaborators.
Military stated the overwhelming pressure on the terrorists made them to released all the hostages. The security forces insisted that no ransom was paid before the release of the students and teachers. Governor Makinde applauded the courage of the victims and commend the security team for the successful completion of the delicate operation that ensures safety.
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Mr Makinde added that his government will not be relent to secure all part of the state and all schools would be more protected.
The success has been called as major breakthrough in fight against terrorism and kidnapping, while president Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier hailed the operation for displaying an improved synergy among the Nigerian security forces and reinforcing their commitment to securing the lives of Nigerians through efficient intelligence operations.
