Oriire hostages freed after 56 days
44 pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oyo State have been released after 56 days, following a sustained intelligence-led military operation.
For 56 days, the families of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oyo State waited in agony. On Friday, that wait ended.
The victims, comprising 39 students and five teachers, were seized on 15 May from Baptist Nursery and Primary School (Yawota), Community High School (Ahoro-Esinele) and L.A. Primary School (Ahoro-Esinele) in the Oriire Local Government Area. Two teachers, Adegboye Adesiyan and Michael Oyedokun, did not survive. One was killed on the spot; the other died in captivity. The remaining 44 walked free after what authorities described as a month-long intelligence-driven operation involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigerian Army and the police.
The Oyo State Government confirmed the release, with Information Commissioner Dotun Oyelade describing the outcome as a victory for "resilience and principled leadership". "We are pleased to report to the people of Oyo State that the children and teachers of Oriire have been released from captivity," Oyelade said in a statement.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who worked closely with federal authorities throughout the ordeal, emphasised that no ransom was paid. The government refused to "throw money at bandits for a temporary solution," Oyelade added, arguing that yielding to ransom demands would only embolden criminals. "This demonstrates the courage and long-term commitment to tackling kidnapping and banditry," he said.
The Nigerian Army described the rescue as the culmination of sustained operations targeting the group's leadership, logistics and informant network. The operations were led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 2 Division, CR Nnebeife, in collaboration with the ONSA, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the SSS, the armed forces, the police, the Amotekun corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
Army spokesperson Jonah Danjuma said the security operation focused on identifying the kingpins behind the abduction and dismantling their operational network and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest. Multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the group's activities and exerting sustained pressure on its members.
"The arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers," Danjuma stated. He added that the operation was deliberately planned to ensure the safe recovery of the hostages while avoiding collateral damage.
President Bola Tinubu celebrated the release, praising security operatives for their "heroic" efforts. He also revealed that many of the terrorists were killed, while eight of them were arrested. The president vowed that his administration would secure justice for the victims, directing emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide all necessary medical and relief support.
In an early reaction, governor of neighbouring Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, described the operation as a testament to President Tinubu's resolve to rid the country of criminal elements. "This operation has demonstrated that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there will be no safe haven for criminal elements," Abiodun said. "It is a clear signal that those who choose the path of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes will be relentlessly pursued, apprehended or neutralised in accordance with the law".
Abiodun commended the gallantry, professionalism and exceptional courage of the security agencies, including the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local intelligence operatives. He also applauded Governor Makinde for working closely with the Federal Government and the security agencies throughout the period of captivity, saying the seamless collaboration among all stakeholders contributed significantly to the successful outcome.
According to Abiodun, the rescue operation reinforces the effectiveness of the renewed security architecture being implemented by the Federal Government in partnership with state governments and security agencies. He urged Nigerians to remain confident in the country's security institutions and continue to support ongoing efforts by providing credible and timely intelligence.
For the families of the 44 survivors, Friday was a day of relief. For the families of the two teachers who did not return, it was a day of grief. For the people of Oyo State, it was a reminder that the fight against kidnapping is far from over.
The winners: the 44 survivors and their families; Governor Makinde and the Oyo State Government, which held firm against ransom demands; the security agencies, which demonstrated operational competence; and President Tinubu, who can claim a rare victory in the war against insecurity.
The losers: the kidnappers, who lost captives and suffered arrests and casualties; the families of the two teachers who died in captivity; and the people of Oyo State, who now know that nowhere is safe from the reach of armed men.
Bottom Line: Forty-four hostages are free after 56 days. Two teachers are dead. The government says it did not pay ransom. The military says it dismantled the network. The families are just grateful their children are home.