50 Days in Captivity: Army Reports Progress in Rescue of Abducted Oyo, Borno Schoolchildren
Fifty days after schoolchildren and teachers were abducted in separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states, the Nigerian Army says efforts to secure their release are making progress.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, gave the update on Saturday during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
Providing an update on the Oyo abduction, Shaibu said troops remained actively engaged in rescue operations.
“Operations are currently underway to secure the release of the affected persons abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the army chief said, according to the Nigerian Tribune.
He expressed confidence that the operation would lead to the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers and their reunion with their families.
The affected persons were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.
The 50-day milestone also marks the continued captivity of children abducted on the same day in Mussa Community, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Although Shaibu did not provide a specific update on the Borno case, the state government recently assured affected families that efforts to rescue the abducted children were ongoing.
During a visit to Mussa, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, told families that the government was working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the children’s safe return.
Beyond the school abductions, Shaibu said the Nigerian Army had continued to record gains in its operations across the country.
According to him, troops under Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised more than 1,872 insurgents, while many others have surrendered. He also said security forces recently eliminated a senior Islamic State commander, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, in a joint operation with United States partners.
The Army chief added that the Federal Government had approved measures to strengthen military manpower, including the establishment of a new Nigerian Army depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, to improve operational capacity.
As the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno enter their 50th day in captivity, families continue to hope for a breakthrough that will finally bring their loved ones home safely.
