46 abducted Oyo pupils and teachers rescued after 56 days

All 46 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State, Nigeria, in May have been freed following a coordinated security operation on Friday, July 10, 2026. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced the rescue, confirming the victims were safe after 56 days in captivity.

The hostages were seized on May 15 when heavily armed gunmen simultaneously raided three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele community within the Oriire Local Government Area. The attackers took 39 students and seven teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School Yawota, Community High School Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School Ahoro-Esinele. Officials later identified the perpetrators as dislodged members of the Boko Haram terrorist group. One of the abducted teachers was killed during the ordeal.

The rescue operation involved joint efforts by the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Police Force. Onanuga stated that during the operation, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are now in custody, while other members of the criminal gang were neutralized. He emphasized that no ransom or concessions were offered to secure the release, specifically noting that...