Security Forces Respond to Ori-Ire Kidnapping Crisis

On May 15, 2026, 46 staff and students were abducted from schools in Ori-Ire local government area, Oyo State. After 56 days of captivity, they returned on July 10, 2026.

The incident sparked debates about whether the victims were rescued by Nigerian security forces or released by their captors. A multi-departmental security operation was initiated, led by Major-General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding the 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan.

This operation included the Nigeria Army, Airforce, Navy, Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Civil Defence and Security Corps, and the Office of the National Security Adviser. Additionally, the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), known as Amotekun, local vigilantes, and Sunday Igboho's security outfit, iru ekun, participated in the search efforts across a 2,800 square kilometer area of Oyo National Park.