Nigerian Army reports progress and resists Oyo schoolkid abduction rescue; lieutenant dies

By Kingsley Omonobi Military sources have confirmed the death of an Army officer, Lieutenant F.A. Isaac, during the operation that rescued 44 abducted pupils and teachers from the Old Oyo National Park. The victims were rescued on July 10, 2026, in a coordinated operation involving security agencies after spending several days in captivity. According to […] The post Military confirms death of Army lieutenant in rescue of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers appeared first on Vanguard News.

Nigerian Army rescues 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State, dismantling terrorist networks in a month-long joint operation across the Old Oyo National Park.

The Nigerian Army says operations to rescue 39 abducted Oyo pupils and seven teachers are making tremendous progress, according to Army Chief Waidi Shaibu.

By Adeola Badru The Nigerian Army says it is making significant progress in ongoing efforts to rescue the 46 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State, while reaffirming its commitment to tackling security challenges across the country. Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, disclosed this during an interactive session with media […] The post Army says progress made in rescue of abducted Oyo pupils, teachers appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, has revealed that Nigerian Army troops are making substantial headway in ongoing operations to rescue 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from Oyo State.     The victims were kidnapped on May 15 from three schools in the Orire Local Government Area. Speaking during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt on Saturday as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, the Army Chief expressed optimism about the operation.     “Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” Lt. Gen. Shaibu stated. He added that he is confident the efforts will result in the safe return of the victims to their families.     The Army Chief used the occasion to provide a broader update on the Nigerian Army’s nationwide security efforts. He highlighted successes in various regions, including the neutralisation of over 1,872 insurgents in the North East under Operation Hadin Kai, as well as the elimination of a high-profile Islamic State commander in collaboration with U.S. partners.     In the North West, Operation Fansan Yamma continues to target bandit groups, while operations in the North Central, South East, and South South have contributed to improved stability and economic gains, such as higher oil output. Shaibu described the South West as generally peaceful, aside from the Oyo abduction incident.     To bolster its capabilities, the Army is expanding recruitment and training. President Bola Tinubu has approved a new depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, as part of plans to recruit and train 28,000 personnel across three depots. The force is also acquiring modern equipment, including armoured vehicles and drones, while updating its training curriculum to emphasize counter-insurgency and marksmanship.     Lt. Gen. Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s dedication to addressing evolving security threats and ensuring the safety of Nigerian citizens. As rescue efforts in Oyo continue, families and the public await positive developments in the safe recovery of the abducted pupils and teachers.    

Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. General 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 as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration. The victims were […] Abducted Oyo pupils: Rescue operation ongoing – Army Chief