Nigerian Army rescues 40 Oyo pupils, Tinubu names Ansaru behind abduction

The Nigerian Army has narrated how they rescued 40 pupils and teachers kidnapped from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026. According to Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, the operation lasted over a month and focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins and dismantling their networks within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.

President Bola Tinubu confirmed that no ransom was paid and no agreement was made with the kidnappers. He also revealed that the Ansaru terrorist group carried out the abduction. Eight of the kidnappers have been arrested, while others involved in the operation were neutralized. The military made multiple arrests across several states, which disorganized the group and forced them to unconditionally release the victims.

This is a significant security achievement, but it raises serious questions about how Ansaru continues to operate despite years of security operations. The group, designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US and UK, has been responsible for high-profile kidnappings and attacks. With the rescue now complete, the focus must shift to preventing future abductions in our schools.