The Presidency has confirmed that all the teachers and pupils abducted during the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development on Friday in a post on his X handle, stating that the victims regained their freedom following coordinated operations by security agencies.
The mass abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed men riding motorcycles and dressed in military camouflage invaded three schools; Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esiele.
The attackers reportedly fired gunshots to create panic before abducting dozens of pupils and their teachers in broad daylight.
Among those kidnapped were toddlers as young as two years old and at least seven teachers.
The gunmen reportedly marched their captives into the forests surrounding the Old Oyo National Park, an area that has witnessed increasing activities of armed criminal groups.
The attack triggered widespread fear across the affected communities, forcing schools to shut down indefinitely as many families fled for safety.
Parents vowed not to return their children to school, while the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State, demanding stronger security measures to protect schools and ensure the safe return of the victims.
In response, security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, and local hunters, launched coordinated search-and-rescue operations, engaging the kidnappers in several confrontations during the weeks-long mission.
The abduction attracted nationwide condemnation, with civil society organisations, activists and public figures calling on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release and improve security around schools.
The Presidency did not disclose further details of the rescue operation or indicate whether any arrests were made.
However, the successful rescue is expected to bring relief to the affected families and communities after nearly two months in captivity.
