The Nigerian Army has expressed optimism over ongoing efforts to rescue dozens of schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oyo State, saying troops are recording encouraging progress as security operations continue in the area.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, gave the update during an engagement with media executives held in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
According to the Army Chief, security forces remain focused on securing the safe return of the victims, who were abducted in May during an attack on three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The incident involved 39 pupils and seven teachers, whose whereabouts have remained unknown since the abduction.
Shaibu said specialized military operations are still underway and expressed confidence that the efforts would achieve the desired outcome.
He noted that the rescue mission forms part of broader nationwide security operations aimed at combating terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.
Providing an overview of military activities in different regions, the Army Chief said troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai have continued to sustain pressure on insurgent groups in the North-East, leading to the elimination of key terrorist figures and the surrender of numerous fighters.
He disclosed that one of the recent operations resulted in the killing of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during a coordinated mission involving international security partners.
According to him, the sustained military campaign has also enabled many displaced residents to begin returning to their communities, citing the closure of the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Bama, Borno State, as one of the indicators of improving security.
Beyond the North-East, Shaibu said military formations have continued to record gains against armed bandits in the North-West through Operation Fansan Yamma, while security operations in the North-Central have focused on containing armed groups responsible for attacks in several states.
He also said security conditions have continued to improve in the South-East following intensified operations against violent separatist groups, while efforts to curb crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta have contributed to increased oil production.
Describing the security situation in the South-West, the Army Chief said the region has remained relatively stable despite the school abduction in Oyo State, which he described as a priority for security agencies.
As part of measures to strengthen operational capacity, Shaibu announced plans to expand the Army’s training infrastructure following federal approval for a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.
The additional training facility, he said, will complement the existing depots in Kaduna and Osun states and significantly increase the Army’s recruitment and training capacity.
He revealed that thousands of newly recruited soldiers have already completed training in the existing facilities, while another batch is expected to graduate from the new depot in the coming months.
The Army Chief also said the military has continued to modernize its operations through the acquisition of additional combat vehicles, mine-resistant platforms and unmanned aerial systems, alongside specialized training programmes designed to prepare troops for emerging security threats.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government says it is maintaining close collaboration with security agencies as efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers continue.
Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, appealed to residents to remain calm and support ongoing operations by sharing credible information with security agencies rather than circulating unverified reports.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working with the military and other security organizations until all the victims are safely rescued.
