Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu says troops are making significant progress in efforts to rescue 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.
According to Vanguard on Sunday, July 5, 2026, 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 on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Shaibu said troops have intensified operations in forests and communities suspected of harbouring the kidnappers, using ground patrols, aerial surveillance and intelligence gathering to locate the victims.
He added that the military is working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups familiar with the terrain to improve the chances of a successful rescue while safeguarding the captives.
Although he declined to provide a timeline for the operation, citing security concerns, Shaibu assured Nigerians that the Army remains committed to rescuing the victims safely. He also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and strengthening the protection of schoolchildren across the country.
