- Army Making Tremendous Progress in Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers – COAS
- Says Abductees Will Soon Regain Freedom
- Unveils Recruitment Plans
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, has disclosed that troops are making significant progress in ongoing efforts to rescue the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Shaibu made the disclosure on Saturday during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Tinubu Lightens Mood, Calls First Lady ‘Iya Alakara’
- Lagos Dismisses Reports of Rising HIV Infections
- Tinubu Unveils Presidential Metering Initiative to Train 5,000 Nigerians
The victims were kidnapped 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 optimism that the ongoing operation would lead to the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.
Shaibu noted that the Nigerian Army remains actively engaged in security operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to address emerging security threats.
Speaking on operations in the North-East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded major successes against insurgents and terrorists, including the neutralisation of a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners.
According to him, the operation has neutralised over 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists have surrendered to troops.
He added that the improved security situation had enabled displaced persons to return to their communities, citing the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Bama, Borno State.
In the North-West, Shaibu said Operation Fansan Yamma had continued to weaken bandit groups through the elimination of criminal elements and the recovery of weapons.
He also highlighted the achievements of Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and Savannah Shield in the North-Central, saying the operations had strengthened security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi states.
On the South-East, the Army Chief said the security situation had improved considerably, noting that there were no major security disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations.
He added that operations in the South-South had contributed to increased oil production by tackling illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Describing the South-West as one of the country’s most peaceful regions, Shaibu said the recent abduction in Oyo remained an isolated incident.
The COAS also announced 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.
According to him, the depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri-Edda are expected to recruit and train 28,000 young Nigerians to strengthen the Army’s manpower.
He disclosed that 6,000 soldiers have graduated from the Zaria depot, 5,000 from Osogbo, while 3,000 recruits are expected to graduate soon from Amasiri-Edda.
Shaibu further revealed that the Army has reviewed its training curriculum to place greater emphasis on marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, while also acquiring armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to boost operational effectiveness.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the country and responding effectively to evolving security challenges.
FURTHER READING
- Dr. Tunji Alausa Warns of Learning Crisis as National Assessment Begins
- FG Trains University Leaders on Fundraising, Alumni Engagement for Sustainable Growth
- 6 Million More Nigerians Enrolled in Health Insurance Scheme – Tinubu
Click here to watch video of the week
