Nigeria frees kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State

On May 15, 2026 armed gunmen abducted more than 40 pupils and teachers from three schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, killing one teacher and later beheading another. The captives were held for 56 days. On July 10, security forces—including the military, police and the Department of State Services—conducted a coordinated rescue operation. All the abducted children and teachers were released, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and several others were neutralised; the alleged kingpin remains in DSS custody and faces prosecution.

The operation was confirmed by Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga via his X account. President Bola Tinubu said he was "profoundly happy" with the outcome, praised the armed forces, intelligence agencies and police, and vowed that "justice will be served" for the victims and for the family of the murdered teacher Michael Oyedokun. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the state information commissioner called the rescue a "victory for principled leadership" and reiterated the government’s refusal to pay ransom. The rescued pupils and teachers are undergoing medical checks and counselling before reuniting with their families.