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By Lawrence Agbo
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has expressed confidence that troops will safely rescue the 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State, saying military operations are making steady progress.
Speaking during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu said the rescue mission remains active and is yielding positive results.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” he said, expressing optimism that the victims would soon be reunited with their families.
The schoolchildren and teachers were kidnapped on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Army Chief noted that the rescue effort is part of broader military operations being carried out across the country’s six geopolitical zones to combat terrorism, banditry and other security threats.
Highlighting achievements in the North-East, Shaibu said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded major successes, including the elimination of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in a joint effort with United States partners.
According to him, the operation has neutralised more than 1,872 insurgents, while many others have surrendered to the military. He added that improved security had enabled displaced residents to return to their communities, pointing to the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Bama, Borno State.
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He also said Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West had continued to weaken bandit groups through sustained offensives and the recovery of weapons.
Shaibu added that military operations in the North-Central, including Operations Enduring Freedom, Whirlwind and the newly launched Operation Savannah Shield, had strengthened security across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi State.
The Army Chief further stated that security had improved significantly in the South-East, while operations against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the South-South had contributed to increased crude oil production.
He described the South-West as one of the country’s most peaceful regions, apart from the recent school abduction in Oyo State.
Shaibu also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, to boost military recruitment and training.
He said the Army had embarked on the recruitment of 28,000 young Nigerians, with thousands already graduating from depots in Zaria and Osogbo, while another batch is expected to complete training in Ebonyi.
According to him, the Army has also upgraded its training curriculum and acquired modern equipment, including armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and surveillance drones, to improve operational effectiveness against emerging security threats.
