Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, says troops are making “tremendous progress” in efforts to rescue the 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Speaking during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day, Shaibu said military operations to secure the victims’ release are ongoing.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in Oriire LGA, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, including the principal of one of the affected schools.
The incident shocked the country and sparked widespread outrage on social media, with protesters demanding the immediate release of those held captive.
The situation worsened days after the abduction when the kidnappers killed Michael Oyedokun, one of the abducted teachers, while he was in captivity.
Providing an update, Shaibu said the military remained focused on bringing the victims home safely.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” he said.
The army chief also said troops remain actively engaged in security operations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to tackle terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.
According to Shaibu, troops under Operation Hadin Kai have recorded major gains against insurgents in the North-East.
He said the operation has neutralised more than 1,872 insurgents, while many other terrorists have surrendered to the military.
Shaibu added that improved security has allowed displaced residents to return to their communities, pointing to the recent closure of the Bama Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Borno State.
He also said Operation Fansan Yamma continues to intensify operations against bandit groups in the North-West.
