The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has disclosed that troops are making significant progress toward rescuing the 39 pupils and seven teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in the local government area.
Newspeak reports that Shaibu made the disclosure during an interactive session with media executives on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue the children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the Army Chief said.
He expressed confidence that the operation would lead to the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remained actively involved in security operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to address various security challenges.
Speaking on operations in the North East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded significant successes against insurgents and terrorists.
According to him, the operation recently neutralised a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners.
“Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised over 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists have surrendered to our troops,” he said.
Shaibu said improved security had enabled displaced persons to return to their communities, pointing to the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Bama, Borno State.
In the North West, he said Operation Fansan Yamma had continued its offensive against bandit groups through the neutralisation of criminal elements and the recovery of weapons.
The Army Chief also highlighted the efforts of Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield in the North Central region.
He said the operations had improved security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger, and parts of Kogi State.
