The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that the military is making significant progress in efforts to rescue the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, an incident that sparked widespread concern across the country and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and vulnerable communities. Addressing journalists during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu expressed confidence that the ongoing military operation would soon lead to the safe release of the hostages.
According to the Army Chief, troops have continued to intensify intelligence gathering and coordinated operations aimed at locating the abductors and ensuring the victims are rescued without harm. He stressed that the military remains committed to bringing the kidnapped pupils and teachers back to their families while sustaining pressure on criminal groups responsible for such attacks.
Shaibu noted that the rescue mission forms part of broader nationwide security operations designed to combat kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, oil theft and other criminal activities threatening peace and stability across Nigeria.
He explained that the Nigerian Army is currently engaged in multiple operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones, with troops recording notable successes against criminal and insurgent elements.
Speaking on developments in the North-East, the COAS said Operation Hadin Kai has continued to weaken insurgent groups through sustained offensives. He revealed that military operations had resulted in the elimination of several high-profile terrorist commanders, including Islamic State commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, during a coordinated operation carried out with support from international partners.
He added that over 1,800 insurgents had been neutralised, while many others voluntarily surrendered to troops, reflecting the sustained pressure mounted by the military against extremist groups operating in the region.
The Army Chief stated that improved security conditions have enabled thousands of internally displaced persons to return to their ancestral communities. He cited the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Bama, Borno State, as evidence of the gradual restoration of peace in parts of the North-East.
In the North-West, Shaibu said Operation Fansan Yamma has continued to record victories against armed bandit groups through aggressive clearance operations, leading to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other equipment used by criminal gangs.
He also highlighted the impact of Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield, noting that the combined efforts of security personnel have strengthened stability across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi State.
Addressing the security situation in the South-East, the Army Chief observed that the region has witnessed noticeable improvements in recent months. He pointed out that there were no major security disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations, describing the development as an indication that ongoing military operations are yielding positive results.
In the South-South, Shaibu said the Army has intensified operations against illegal crude oil refining, pipeline vandalism and oil theft. According to him, these efforts have contributed to improved oil production by reducing economic sabotage and protecting critical national assets.
He described the South-West as one of the country’s most peaceful regions despite the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, assuring residents that security agencies remain determined to bring those responsible to justice while preventing similar incidents.
Beyond ongoing operations, the Army Chief also announced plans aimed at expanding the capacity of the Nigerian Army through increased recruitment and enhanced training.
He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the total number of army depots in the country to three.
According to Shaibu, the depots located in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri-Edda are expected to collectively recruit and train approximately 28,000 young Nigerians to strengthen the Army’s manpower and improve operational readiness.
He revealed that about 6,000 soldiers have already graduated from the Zaria depot, while another 5,000 completed their training at the Osogbo depot. The Amasiri-Edda facility is expected to graduate an additional 3,000 recruits in the coming months, bringing the total number of newly trained personnel to about 14,000.
The COAS further explained that the Nigerian Army has reviewed its training curriculum to prepare soldiers for evolving security threats. The revised programme now places greater emphasis on marksmanship, counter-insurgency tactics, counter-terrorism operations and modern battlefield strategies.
He noted that recruits now undergo approximately 11 months of intensive military training to equip them with the skills needed to confront complex security challenges across different operational environments.
Shaibu also highlighted recent investments in military equipment, saying the Army has acquired additional armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance surveillance, mobility and combat effectiveness.
He added that officers and soldiers continue to receive specialised training both within Nigeria and abroad to ensure they can effectively operate modern military hardware and adapt to changing security realities.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to national security, the Chief of Army Staff assured Nigerians that the military will continue to respond decisively to emerging threats while working closely with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives, protect critical infrastructure and preserve the country’s territorial integrity.
He expressed optimism that ongoing operations, including the mission to rescue the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, would achieve positive outcomes, urging citizens to continue supporting the armed forces through cooperation and timely intelligence that can aid security operations.
