Abducted Oyo pupils: Rescue operation ongoing — Army chief

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says troops are making significant progress towards the rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.

Shaibu disclosed this during an interactive session with media executives on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the army chief said.

He expressed confidence that the operation would lead to the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.

Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remained actively engaged in various operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to address evolving security challenges.

Speaking on operations in the North-East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded significant successes against insurgents and terrorists.

According to him, the operation recently neutralised a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners.

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

Shaibu noted that improved security had enabled displaced persons to return to their communities, citing the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Bama, Borno State.

In the North-West, he said Operation Fansan Yamma had continued to degrade bandit groups through the neutralisation of criminal elements and the recovery of weapons.

The COAS also highlighted achievements in the North-Central region through Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield.

He said the operations had enhanced security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi states.

On the South-East, Shaibu said the security situation had improved considerably, noting that there were no reported disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations

In the South-South, the nation’s oil output has improved, which is a testament to the success of operations against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism,” he said.

The army chief described the South-West as one of the most peaceful regions, apart from the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.

Shaibu announced that the Federal Government had approved measures to strengthen military manpower to tackle emerging security threats.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the number of army depots to three.

He added that the depots in Zaria, Kaduna State; Osogbo, Osun State; and Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, were expected to recruit and train 28,000 young Nigerians.

“I recently directed the recruitment of 28,000 young Nigerians to enhance manpower for our various operations across the country.

“So far, the Zaria depot has graduated 6,000 soldiers, Osogbo has graduated 5,000, while Amasiri-Edda will soon graduate 3,000, bringing the total to 14,000,” he said.

Shaibu added that the Army had reviewed its curriculum to focus on marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

He said recruits now undergo about 11 months of intensive military training, including advanced infantry and acclimatisation exercises.

The COAS further disclosed that the army had acquired armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to strengthen operational effectiveness.

He said personnel had been deployed for specialised training both locally and abroad to ensure proficiency in operating modern military equipment.

“The acquisition of armed and surveillance drones, alongside enhanced aviation capabilities, has improved response times and operational success across theatres of operation,” he added.

Shaibu reaffirmed the army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation and responding effectively to emerging security challenges.

(NAN)