Nigerian Army Rescues 44 Abducted Students in Oyo

Major General Chinedu Nnebeif, commander of the Nigerian Army's 2 Division, disclosed that the Nigerian Air Force's drone team was unable to penetrate the thick canopy of Old Oyo National Park while attempting to locate terrorists holding 44 abducted students and teachers. The operation, which lasted 56 days, began after gunmen stormed three schools in the Ahoro, Esiel, Yawota, and Alawusa communities on May 15.

Despite setbacks, including the loss of local vigilantes, the operation culminated in a successful rescue on July 10, 2023. Nnebeif stated that the military did not yield to the kidnappers' demands, which included the release of detained Boko Haram members.

Eight suspects were arrested, and several gang members were neutralized during the operation. Lieutenant Felix Isaac, a 28-year-old officer, was killed in action and was honored at the 23rd Armoured Brigade cemetery in Yola, Adamawa State.

Major General Nnebeif took command of the 2 Division on August 19, 2025.