Nigerian Army Rescues 44 Kidnapped Pupils and Teachers After Major Operation

Victims Freed Two Months After School Abduction

Nigeria’s military has announced the successful rescue of all 44 pupils and teachers who were kidnapped two months ago from schools in the southern state of Oyo. Several suspects linked to the abduction have also been arrested following an extensive military operation.

The rescued victims are currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families.

Month-Long Rescue Mission

According to army spokesman Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operation involved the military, police, intelligence agencies and local vigilante groups. Security forces tracked down the kidnappers’ network and destroyed several hideouts located in the Old Oyo National Park forest.

The military also confirmed that some soldiers lost their lives during the rescue mission, although the exact number of casualties has not been disclosed.

Families Relieved After Harrowing Ordeal

The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in Osiire district in Oyo State: Baptist Nursery and Primary School, LA Primary School and Community Grammar School.

For the families, the wait for their loved ones’ release has been painful and emotional.

“It was a harrowing experience, but we thank God that it ended well,” said Professor Wole Alamu, whose wife, Rachael Folawe Alamu, is the headteacher of Community Grammar School.

He added that watching videos released by the kidnappers during the ordeal made the situation even more difficult for the families.

Calls for Stronger School Security

The rescue has renewed calls for better security in Nigerian schools. Hassan Ajibola, leader of the Teachers’ Union in Oyo State, welcomed the release of the victims but urged the government to fully implement the Safe School Initiative.

The programme was introduced after the 2014 kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls and aims to improve security through measures such as fencing schools, installing CCTV cameras, increasing patrols and deploying security personnel.

“We are happy and elated, but stronger measures are needed to secure our schools,” Ajibola said.

Rising Insecurity Ahead of Elections

Nigeria has witnessed a renewed wave of mass kidnappings in recent months, making security one of the country’s biggest concerns ahead of next year’s general election.

The Oyo kidnapping attracted nationwide attention because such large-scale school abductions are more common in northern Nigeria than in the predominantly Christian south-west region.

Authorities say additional operations are planned to capture any remaining suspects involved in the attack.

Hope for Families Awaiting Reunion

Although the victims have been freed, their families are still waiting to embrace them after weeks of fear and uncertainty. The successful rescue has brought relief across Nigeria, but it has also highlighted the urgent need for stronger protection of schools and vulnerable communities.