Army Confirms Loss of Personnel in Oriire Rescue Operation, Honours Fallen Heroes

The Nigerian Army has confirmed that some security personnel lost their lives during the month-long operation that culminated in the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the fallen operatives as heroes who paid the ultimate price in the service of the nation.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the victims, who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on July 10 following an intelligence-led operation that dismantled the criminal network responsible for the abduction.

Although the Army did not disclose the number of casualties or specify the agencies that suffered losses, it acknowledged that some security operatives were killed during the operation.

The rescue mission was coordinated by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, with support from multiple security and intelligence agencies.

According to the Army, the operation brought together personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.

The Army said the operation, which lasted more than a month, focused on identifying and dismantling the kidnapping syndicate by targeting its logistics, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest.

It disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country, weakening the criminal network and mounting sustained pressure that ultimately forced the abductors to release the pupils and teachers unconditionally.

The Army noted that the mission was meticulously planned and executed to ensure the safe recovery of all the victims without collateral damage.

“The operation was conducted with precision to secure the release of the victims while preserving their lives,” the statement said.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.

The Army expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, participating security agencies, local security outfits, media organisations and members of the public for their support throughout the operation.

It also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the country.