RismadarVoice Reporters, July 5, 2026
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that troops are making significant progress in efforts to rescue 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.
Speaking during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu said operations to rescue the victims, who were kidnapped on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area, are ongoing.
He expressed confidence that the victims would be safely rescued and reunited with their families.
The Army Chief said the Nigerian Army remains actively engaged in security operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to address emerging threats.
Highlighting achievements in the North-East, he said troops of Operation Hadin Kai had neutralised over 1,872 insurgents, including a top Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners, while many terrorists had surrendered.
He added that improved security had enabled displaced persons to return home, citing the closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Bama, Borno State.
Shaibu also noted successes against bandits in the North-West through Operation Fan-Sansan Yamma, and improved security in the North-Central through Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and Savannah Shield.
According to him, the South-East has witnessed improved security, while operations against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism have boosted oil production in the South-South. He described the South-West as largely peaceful, except for the recent abduction in Oyo State.
The COAS further disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the total number of army depots to three.
He said the depots in Zaria, Osogbo and Amasiri-Edda are expected to recruit and train 28,000 personnel to strengthen military operations nationwide.
Shaibu also revealed that the Army has upgraded its training curriculum to focus on counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism and marksmanship, while acquiring advanced military hardware, including armoured vehicles, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles, to enhance operational effectiveness.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property and responding effectively to the country’s evolving security challenges.
