The Nigerian Army has identified Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, as the commander who led the intelligence-driven operation that rescued 46 pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The rescue, which came after 56 days in captivity, followed more than a month of coordinated intelligence gathering and tactical operations involving several security agencies.

According to the Army, Maj. Gen. Nnebeife worked closely with operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, DSS, NIA, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters.

Elite special forces, including Navy Special Boat Service personnel, Army Special Operations Forces snipers, Police Intelligence Response Team officers, and DSS tactical teams, played key roles in the mission, while the Nigerian Air Force provided surveillance and intelligence support.

The operation focused on the Old Oyo National Park, believed to be the kidnappers' stronghold. Security operatives arrested eight suspected kidnappers, dismantled parts of the gang's network, and mounted sustained pressure that eventually forced the abductors to release the victims.

Authorities also disclosed that the Federal Government rejected the kidnappers' demand to release a Boko Haram terrorism suspect in exchange for the victims.

Although the mission ended successfully, the Army confirmed that some security personnel paid the ultimate price during the operation.

Maj. Gen. Nnebeife, who took over as GOC of the 2 Division in August 2025, has previously led successful rescue operations, including the liberation of kidnapped victims in Babasango Forest, Kwara State. He also serves as the Force Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMA Sector 3.

The rescue has been widely celebrated across Oyo State, especially in Ogbomoso, where residents praised the bravery, professionalism, and sacrifice of the security personnel who brought the pupils and teachers home safely.