Nigerian security agencies have rescued 39 schoolchildren and six teachers who were abducted nearly two months ago from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, bringing an end to one of the most significant school kidnappings in southwestern Nigeria in recent years. According to Arise News and Associated Press, the victims were freed after a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, and other intelligence units.
The pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15 when armed attackers stormed two primary schools and one secondary school in the Ahoro Esiele community. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that all surviving victims had regained their freedom after 56 days in captivity, while President Bola Tinubu praised the security agencies for the successful operation. Authorities also disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers had been arrested and are in DSS custody, although one teacher reportedly lost his life shortly after the abduction.
The rescue marks a rare success in addressing school kidnappings outside northern Nigeria, where such attacks have been more common over the past decade. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde welcomed the development, describing it as a testament to improved collaboration between federal and state security agencies. The operation follows weeks of intelligence gathering and sustained efforts to secure the victims’ release without further casualties.
The successful rescue is expected to provide relief to affected families and strengthen confidence in ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and insecurity across Nigeria. ChannelsTv says the arrests of suspected perpetrators and continued intelligence-led operations will be critical in deterring future attacks on schools and restoring confidence in the safety of educational institutions.
