After spending 56 agonising days in captivity, all 46 schoolchildren and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have finally regained their freedom following a successful rescue operation by Nigerian security forces.

The rescue, carried out in the early hours of Friday by a joint team of the Nigerian Military and the Department of State Services (DSS), ended one of the country's most disturbing school abduction cases in recent months.

Security operatives reportedly tracked the kidnappers to the dense forests of the Old Oyo National Park, where they blocked possible escape routes into neighbouring Kwara State before safely rescuing all the hostages.

The rescued victims include 39 pupils, some as young as two years old, and seven educators, including school principal Rachael Alamu. They were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, after gunmen launched coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School.

The Oyo State Government reiterated that no ransom was paid for the victims' release despite reports that the kidnappers demanded money and the release of detained Ansaru terrorist commanders.

Although the successful rescue has brought relief to families and residents, the tragedy claimed the lives of two teachers. One educator was killed during the initial attack, while mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was later murdered by the kidnappers during the period of captivity.

The rescued children and teachers are now receiving medical attention and psychological care to help them recover from the physical and emotional trauma they endured.

Security agencies have also arrested several suspected collaborators accused of providing information and logistical support to the kidnappers, while investigations remain ongoing to bring everyone connected to the crime to justice.