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 executives as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
The victims—39 pupils and seven teachers—were abducted on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Shaibu expressed optimism that the ongoing military operation would lead to the safe rescue of all those abducted.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” he said.
The Army Chief said the military remained actively engaged in operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to combat insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality.
On operations in the North-East, Shaibu said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had continued to record successes against insurgent groups.
According to him, the operation recently eliminated a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during a joint operation conducted with United States partners.
He added that troops had neutralised more than 1,872 insurgents, while many others had surrendered.
Shaibu said improved security in parts of the North-East had enabled thousands of internally displaced persons to return to their communities, citing the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Bama, Borno State, as an example.
He also highlighted progress recorded under Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West, as well as Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and Savannah Shield in the North-Central, saying the operations had strengthened security across several states.
According to the COAS, security has also improved in the South-East, while operations against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism have contributed to increased oil production in the South-South.
He described the South-West as one of the country’s most peaceful regions, noting that the Oyo school abduction was an isolated incident receiving the military’s full attention.
Shaibu also announced measures aimed at strengthening the Army’s operational capacity.
He said President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the number of Army depots nationwide to three.
According to him, the depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri-Edda are expected to train 28,000 recruits to strengthen the Army’s manpower.
He disclosed that 6,000 soldiers had graduated from the Zaria depot, 5,000 from Osogbo, while Amasiri-Edda is expected to graduate 3,000 recruits soon.
The Army Chief added that the military had reviewed its training curriculum to strengthen counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism capabilities and had procured additional armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to improve operational effectiveness.
He also said officers and soldiers continue to undergo specialised training both within and outside Nigeria to enhance their operational skills.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ongoing rescue efforts.
Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the government was working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading rumours and provide useful information that could assist security agencies in their operations.
Oyelade reiterated that the state government would continue to support security agencies until the victims are safely rescued.
