DSS, Amotekun, Police: Full List of Security Agencies Involved in Rescue of Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers

• The rescue of 44 abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State was carried out through a month-long intelligence-led operation involving 12 security agencies, intelligence services and local security outfits.

The successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State was the outcome of a coordinated operation involving 12 security agencies, intelligence services and local security outfits.

The victims, who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom after weeks of intelligence gathering and sustained security operations led by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other agencies.

Announcing the rescue on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the mission was carefully planned and executed to ensure the victims were rescued alive.

“Following intelligence-led, carefully planned and executed operations, troops of the Nigerian Army… in collaboration with other security agencies rescued a total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State,” the statement said.

List of the 12 security agencies and groups involved in the operation

1. Nigerian Army (2 Division and Special Forces) – Coordinated and led the rescue mission.
2. Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) – Provided strategic coordination and support.
3. National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) – Participated in counter-terrorism operations.
4. Nigerian Navy – Deployed personnel to support the joint mission.
5. Nigerian Air Force – Supplied intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support.
6. Nigeria Police Force – Assisted with intelligence gathering and security operations.
7. Department of State Services (DSS) – Conducted intelligence operations and later took custody of arrested suspects.
8. National Intelligence Agency (NIA) – Supported intelligence gathering during the operation.
9. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) – Participated in the joint security operation.
10. Amotekun Corps – Provided local security support and area intelligence.
11. Local Vigilantes – Assisted security forces with local knowledge of the terrain.
12. Hunters – Supported troops by helping navigate forest areas and track the kidnappers.

According to the Army, the operation lasted for more than one month and focused on identifying the kidnappers’ leaders, dismantling their network and destroying their logistics and intelligence chain within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.

The operation resulted in multiple arrests across Oyo State and other parts of the country.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while several other members of the gang were neutralised during the operation.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also confirmed that all the victims were rescued alive, stressing that the Federal Government did not negotiate with the kidnappers.

According to the President, “no ransom was paid and no concession was made,” adding that the government rejected the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a Boko Haram commander facing terrorism charges.

Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical treatment and other support for the rescued pupils and teachers.

The Army explained that the operation was deliberately planned to avoid casualties among the abducted children and teachers.

However, it disclosed that some security personnel lost their lives during the mission, although the number of casualties was not revealed.

The victims were abducted after gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.

Following the successful rescue, residents of Ogbomoso and neighbouring communities celebrated the victims’ release, while political leaders and stakeholders commended the security agencies for the successful operation.