The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has expressed confidence that troops are closing in on the rescue of the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State, assuring Nigerians that military operations are making significant progress.
Speaking during an interactive session with media executives on Saturday in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu said the rescue mission remains a top priority for the Nigerian Army.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the Army Chief said.
He expressed optimism that the operation would soon lead to the safe rescue of all the victims and their reunion with their families.
Shaibu noted that the Nigerian Army continues to sustain operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones in response to evolving security threats.
Highlighting achievements in the North East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded major victories against insurgents and terrorists, including the elimination of a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners.
According to him, Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised more than 1,872 insurgents, while many others have surrendered to the military. He added that improved security has enabled thousands of displaced persons to return home, pointing to the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Bama, Borno State.
In the North West, Shaibu said Operation Fansan Yamma has continued to weaken bandit networks through sustained offensives and the recovery of weapons.
He also highlighted the impact of Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield in improving security across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi State.
The Army Chief said the security situation in the South East has improved considerably, noting that there were no major disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations.
In the South-South, he attributed the increase in Nigeria’s oil production to successful military operations against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Shaibu described the South West as one of the country’s most peaceful regions, with the recent abduction in Oyo standing out as an isolated security challenge.
To strengthen the military’s capacity, he disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, increasing the number of army depots to three.
He said the depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri-Edda are expected to recruit and train 28,000 young Nigerians to reinforce the Army’s manpower.
According to him, 6,000 soldiers have graduated from the Zaria depot, 5,000 from Osogbo, while Amasiri-Edda is expected to graduate 3,000 recruits soon, bringing the total to 14,000 trained personnel.
Shaibu also revealed that the Army has upgraded its training curriculum to place greater emphasis on marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, with recruits undergoing about 11 months of intensive military training.
He further disclosed that the Nigerian Army has acquired armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles, while personnel continue to receive specialised training both within Nigeria and abroad to effectively operate modern military equipment.
Reaffirming the Army’s commitment to national security, Shaibu said enhanced surveillance drones and improved aviation capabilities have significantly boosted operational response times and effectiveness in combating security threats across the country.
