By Emmanuel Onyedika
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 State.
Shaibu disclosed this during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt on Saturday, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration. The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the army chief said, expressing confidence that the victims would be safely reunited with their families.
Shaibu noted that the Nigerian Army remained actively engaged in operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to address evolving security challenges.
In the North East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded significant successes against insurgents, including the neutralisation 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 stated, adding that improved security had enabled displaced persons to return to their communities, citing the closure of the IDP camp in Bama, Borno State.
In the North West, Shaibu said Operation Fansan Yamma had continued to degrade bandit groups through neutralisation of criminal elements and recovery of weapons.
He also highlighted achievements in the North Central region through Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield, which have enhanced security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger, and parts of Kogi State.
In the South East, Shaibu said the security situation had improved considerably, noting that there were no reported disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations.
In the South South, he said the nation’s oil output had improved, attributing it to successful operations against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, and pipeline vandalism.
The Army Chief reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring peace across Nigeria.