The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has said troops are making significant progress towards the rescue of 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo.
The COAS disclosed this during an interactive session with the media on Saturday in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
Blueprint reports that the victims were abducted on 15 May from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the army chief said.
He expressed confidence that the operation would lead to the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remained actively engaged in various operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to address evolving security challenges.
Speaking on operations in the North-east, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded significant successes against insurgents and terrorists.
According to him, the operation recently led to the killing of a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners.
“Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised over 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists have surrendered to troops,” he said.