After 56 agonizing days in captivity, hope finally returned to dozens of families in Oyo State as 44 abducted pupils and teachers regained their freedom through a carefully coordinated rescue operation led by Nigerian security forces.
At the centre of the operation was Major General C.R. Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, headquartered in Ibadan.
The victims had been abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The incident sent shockwaves across Nigeria, leaving families anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.
Rather than launching a rushed assault that could have endangered the hostages, the military adopted an intelligence-driven strategy. Working closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and other security agencies, troops patiently tracked the kidnappers, gathered intelligence, and planned a coordinated rescue mission.
The operation ended successfully, with all 44 abducted pupils and teachers rescued alive.
The mission reportedly also led to the neutralisation and arrest of several kidnappers.
Who is Major General C.R. Nnebeife?
Major General C.R. Nnebeife is a distinguished senior officer of the Nigerian Army and currently serves as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, one of the Army’s most strategic formations responsible for military operations across parts of South-West Nigeria.
He is an indigene of Anambra State and has built a military career spanning decades, serving in various command and operational roles within the Nigerian Army.
Known for maintaining a relatively low public profile, he is respected as a disciplined and professional commander with extensive field experience.
His leadership during the successful rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers has earned him nationwide recognition, with many Nigerians commending the professionalism, patience, and coordination displayed by the troops under his command.
The operation is a reminder that successful security missions are often the result of weeks of intelligence gathering, careful planning, and the courage of men and women who risk their lives to protect others.
We salute the bravery of all the security personnel involved in the operation and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
