56 Days in Terrorists’ Den: How Nigerian Troops Crushed Kidnappers, Rescued Oyo Pupils and Teachers
By Frontline Reporters
After 56 harrowing days of captivity, starvation and emotional trauma, 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom following a coordinated security operation that dealt a major blow to the terrorist gang holding them hostage.
The daring rescue, carried out by a joint team of the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), resulted in the elimination of nine terrorists, while eight suspected members of the criminal network were arrested and are now in DSS custody.
Security Forces Starved Terrorists Into Weakness
Emerging details indicate that intelligence-driven tactics played a decisive role in the successful operation.
Security sources disclosed that military personnel disrupted food supplies into the forest reserve where the kidnappers had established their camp, gradually cutting off their logistics and forcing them into a desperate situation.
The operation also led to the arrest of several collaborators outside the terrorists’ hideout, significantly weakening the gang’s communication and negotiation network before security forces launched the final assault.
Victims Return Weak But Grateful
Although visibly emaciated and exhausted after nearly two months in captivity, the rescued pupils and teachers expressed overwhelming gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies.
In a video released after their rescue, the freed victims eagerly consumed food provided to them, a poignant indication of the deprivation they endured during captivity.
Speaking on behalf of the victims, the Vice Principal of Community Grammar School, Mrs. Alamu Folawe, thanked the President and security personnel for refusing to abandon them.
“We are grateful, Mr. President. Every security operative worked tirelessly, and that is why we are alive today,” she said.
Ironically, Mrs. Folawe had earlier appeared in a propaganda video released by the terrorists, pleading with authorities to meet the kidnappers’ demands.
Tinubu Hails Heroic Rescue
Reacting to the successful operation, President Bola Tinubu described the rescue as a major victory against terrorism and commended the military, DSS and the police for conducting a professional operation that secured the victims without collateral damage.
The President praised the security agencies for working relentlessly throughout the 56-day ordeal and vowed that justice would be served against those responsible for the abduction and the murder of teacher Michael Oyedokun while in captivity.
Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to collaborate with the Oyo State Government in providing medical care, trauma counselling and relief materials for the rescued children and teachers.
Makinde: A Victory Over Criminality
Governor Seyi Makinde described the rescue as “a big relief for all of us,” expressing appreciation to President Tinubu, the military, DSS and other security agencies for their coordinated efforts.
The Oyo State Government maintained that the successful rescue vindicated its decision not to pay ransom despite mounting pressure.
According to the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, paying ransom would only have strengthened kidnapping syndicates and encouraged further attacks on innocent Nigerians.
He stressed that the administration remained committed to confronting insecurity through intelligence, strategic collaboration and sustained security operations rather than financing criminal enterprises.
‘Eight Weeks of Agony Have Ended’
Professor Wale Alamu, husband of one of the rescued school principals, described the release as the end of eight weeks of unimaginable emotional pain.
Speaking with Frontline Reporters, the academic expressed profound gratitude to the Presidency, Governor Makinde, members of the State Executive Council, religious leaders and Nigerians from all walks of life whose prayers and support sustained the families throughout the ordeal.
He urged the government to thoroughly review the circumstances surrounding the abduction and strengthen security around schools to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Parents Celebrate, Demand Rescue of Others
The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) also welcomed the development.
Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, described the rescue as a joyous moment for parents across the country.
Speaking with Frontline Reporters, he commended the military for demonstrating its capability to confront terrorists but urged the Federal Government not to relent until all children and teachers still being held by kidnappers, particularly in Borno and Kogi states, are rescued.
How the Abduction Happened
The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed terrorists stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The attackers abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal.
Teacher Joel Adesiyan was reportedly killed while attempting to escape during the attack, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was murdered in captivity.
The abduction sparked nationwide outrage and forced the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State to embark on a month-long strike demanding urgent government action.
Throughout the crisis, the Oyo State Government consistently rejected calls to pay ransom, insisting that doing so would only embolden criminal groups and fuel further kidnappings.
Borno Schoolchildren Still Await Freedom
While Nigerians celebrated the successful rescue in Oyo, concern remains over the fate of more than 40 schoolchildren—some as young as two years old—who were abducted from schools in Borno State on the same day as the Oyo incident and are still being held by their captors
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2026-07-07
