The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that troops are making significant progress towards rescuing the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Shaibu gave the assurance on Saturday during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
According to the army chief, ongoing operations have yielded encouraging results and would soon lead to the safe return of the victims to their families.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the military operation would culminate in the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers.
The COAS reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to addressing evolving security challenges across the country, noting that troops remained actively engaged in operations in all six geopolitical zones.
Speaking on the North-East, Shaibu said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had continued to record major victories against insurgents and terrorist groups.
He disclosed that the operation recently eliminated 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 military authorities.
Shaibu added that improved security in the region had facilitated the return of displaced persons to their communities, citing the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Bama, Borno State, as a significant milestone.
In the North-West, he said Operation Fansan Yamma had continued to weaken bandit networks through the elimination of criminal elements and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
He also highlighted the achievements of Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield in the North-Central region, saying the initiatives had strengthened security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi states.
On the security situation in the South-East, the COAS said the region had witnessed remarkable improvement, noting that there were no reported disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations.
He further stated that military operations in the South-South had contributed significantly to increased crude oil production through the suppression of illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
“In the South-South, the nation’s oil output has improved, which is a testament to the success of operations against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism,” he said.
Describing the South-West as one of the country’s most peaceful regions, Shaibu noted that the recent school abduction in Oyo State remained an isolated challenge being vigorously addressed by security agencies.
The army chief also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved measures to boost military manpower in response to emerging security threats nationwide.
He revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the total number of army depots in the country to three.
According to him, the depots in Zaria, Kaduna State; Osogbo, Osun State; and Amasiri-Edda are expected to recruit and train about 28,000 young Nigerians.
“I recently directed the recruitment of 28,000 young Nigerians to enhance manpower for our various operations across the country.
“So far, the Zaria depot has graduated 6,000 soldiers, Osogbo has graduated 5,000, while Amasiri-Edda will soon graduate 3,000, bringing the total to 14,000,” he said.
Shaibu added that the Nigerian Army had reviewed its training curriculum to place greater emphasis on marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
He explained that recruits now undergo approximately 11 months of intensive military training, including advanced infantry and acclimatisation exercises.
The COAS further disclosed that the army had procured armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance operational efficiency across various theatres.
He noted that personnel were being exposed to specialised training both within and outside Nigeria to improve their proficiency in handling modern military hardware.
“The acquisition of armed and surveillance drones, alongside enhanced aviation capabilities, has improved response times and operational success across theatres of operation,” he added.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting the country’s territorial integrity and responding decisively to emerging security challenges.
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