Army Closes In on Oyo Kidnappers

Fresh hope has emerged for the families of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State after the Nigerian Army revealed that ongoing rescue efforts are yielding positive results.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said troops involved in the operation were closing in on their objective and remained determined to ensure the victims return home safely.

The victims, made up of 39 pupils and seven teachers, were kidnapped on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, sparking widespread concern across the country.

Speaking during an engagement with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu expressed confidence that the military’s efforts would soon produce the desired outcome.

According to him, security forces have sustained pressure on criminal elements while intensifying intelligence-driven operations aimed at locating and rescuing the abductees.

Beyond the Oyo rescue mission, the Army Chief painted a picture of a military that is steadily gaining ground against various security threats across the country.

He disclosed that troops fighting insurgency in the North-East have continued to record major victories, including the elimination of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in a joint effort involving international partners.

Shaibu noted that military offensives in the region have led to the neutralisation of more than 1,800 insurgents, while many others have surrendered. He added that improved security conditions have encouraged displaced residents to return to their communities, with the recent closure of the Bama Internally Displaced Persons camp in Borno State serving as evidence of the progress made.

In the North-West, he said sustained operations against armed bandits have disrupted criminal networks and led to the recovery of weapons and other dangerous materials.

The Army Chief also highlighted ongoing efforts in the North-Central region, where security operations have been expanded to tackle persistent threats in states such as Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Kwara and parts of Kogi.

He further stated that security conditions in the South-East have improved considerably, citing the peaceful atmosphere recorded during recent festive periods.

According to him, military operations in the South-South have also contributed to increased crude oil production by reducing incidents of oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal refining activities.

While describing the South-West as largely peaceful, Shaibu acknowledged that the Oyo abduction remains a major concern and assured Nigerians that troops are working tirelessly to secure the release of all those held captive.

The Army Chief also announced plans to strengthen the military’s manpower base following federal government approval for expanded recruitment and training programmes.

As part of the initiative, a new Nigerian Army Depot has been established in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, joining existing facilities in Zaria and Osogbo. Together, the three centres are expected to train tens of thousands of recruits to support ongoing military operations nationwide.

He revealed that thousands of new soldiers have already completed training, while more are expected to graduate in the coming months.

Shaibu said the Army has also upgraded its training programme to focus more on modern warfare, counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency tactics. New recruits now undergo extensive military preparation designed to equip them for the complex security challenges facing the country.

In addition, the military has invested in advanced equipment, including armoured vehicles, mine-resistant platforms and surveillance drones, while personnel continue to receive specialised training at home and abroad.

He maintained that the combination of improved manpower, modern technology and enhanced operational strategies is strengthening the Army’s ability to respond swiftly to threats across the country.

With rescue efforts in Oyo gathering momentum and security operations recording gains in several regions, the Army Chief reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting Nigerians and confronting those who threaten the nation’s peace and stability.