The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has confirmed that military troops are making significant progress in their ongoing mission to rescue 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers kidnapped in Oyo State. He shared the positive operational update during an interactive media session held on Saturday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The media briefing was organized as part of the official activities commemorating the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

The high-stakes rescue operation targets a mass abduction that occurred on May 15, when armed bandits raided three separate schools within the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Expressing strong optimism, the army chief assured the public that the relentless efforts of the ground forces would soon yield definitive results, paving the way for the safe return of the hostages and their subsequent reunion with their families.

“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 involved in security operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to address different security challenges.

Speaking on operations in the North-East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded successes against insurgents and terrorists.

According to him, the operation recently neutralised 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.

Shaibu said improved security had allowed displaced persons to return to their communities, pointing to the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Bama, Borno State.

In the North-West, he said Operation Fansan Yamma had continued operations against bandit groups through the neutralisation of criminal elements and the recovery of weapons.

The Army Chief further highlighted that targeted operations like Operation Enduring Peace, Operation Whirl Stroke, and the newly launched Operation Savannah Shield have significantly restored stability across the North-Central region, specifically capturing positive shifts in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger, and parts of Kogi states. Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu additionally pointed out that the security situation in the South-East has marked a distinct turnaround, emphasizing that the region experienced zero disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations as a result of sustained military vigilance.

“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.

Shaibu described the South-West as one of the most peaceful regions, apart from the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.

The army chief also announced that the Federal Government had approved measures to strengthen military manpower to address emerging security threats.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the number of army depots to three.

According to him, the depots in Zaria, Kaduna State; Osogbo, Osun State; and Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, are expected to recruit and train 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 also said the Army had reviewed its training curriculum to focus on marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

He said recruits now undergo about 11 months of intensive military training, including advanced infantry and acclimatisation exercises.

The Chief of Army Staff further disclosed that the Army had acquired armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to strengthen its operations.

He added that personnel had been sent for specialised training within and outside Nigeria to improve their ability to operate modern military equipment.

“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 Army’s commitment to protecting the country and responding to security challenges across Nigeria.