The Nigerian Army has announced the successful rescue of 44 pupils and teachers who were held in captivity for 56 days after being abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The operation, which concluded on July 10, 2026, was the result of a month-long, intelligence-led mission aimed at dismantling the networks and logistics supporting the responsible terrorists.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Leadership and Collaboration: The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife. It involved a wide-ranging collaboration between the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force, alongside the Nigeria Police, Office of the National Security Adviser, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

• Community and Local Support: The coordinated effort also included participation from the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters.

• Targeting the Network: Troops focused on identifying the masterminds of the abduction and dismantling their infrastructure, including informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park forest.

• Operational Impact: Multiple arrests were made both within Oyo State and across other parts of the country, which disrupted the terrorist group’s operations and placed significant pressure on them, ultimately forcing the unconditional release of the captives.

• Safety and Casualties: While the rescue was meticulously planned to prioritize the safety of the victims, the Army confirmed that some security personnel suffered casualties during the mission.

• Medical Care and Reunion: The rescued individuals were transported to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment and will be transferred to the Oyo State Government for eventual reunion with their families.

• Future Operations: Major General Nnebeife expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and various security and state leaders for their support. The Army confirmed that further operations are planned to track down remaining members of the terrorist network and prevent future incidents.

Former Labour Party (LP) National Chairman Julius Abure and former Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu have publicly denied any association with the late Dolapo Tanimola, who has been linked to the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). Tanimola was identified by the Presidency as the intermediary who allegedly helped the PFIPC’s self-styled Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi, secure a fraudulent appointment letter for the non-existent agency. Tanimola reportedly died in an Abuja hotel fire on October 22, 2025, just five days before Adeyemi’s arrest.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Julius Abure: Through his spokesman, Obiora Ifoh, Abure stated he does not recognize Tanimola and noted that the circulated photograph is likely over 15 years old. Ifoh argued that due to Abure’s former role as a political leader, he has taken pictures with countless individuals, making it impossible to remember everyone. He dismissed the photograph as proof of any personal relationship.

• Adebayo Shittu: Initially stating he did not know Tanimola, Shittu maintained his denial even after reviewing the photograph. He expressed surprise at the image’s existence, noting that Tanimola was not a familiar face to him.

The controversial photographs, originally published by Daily Trust, also feature Tanimola alongside various other prominent figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), Tony Elumelu, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and several high-ranking police officials and political leaders.

Following the successful rescue of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, has urged security agencies to focus their efforts on liberating numerous constituents still held by kidnappers. While the lawmaker praised the Federal Government for the safe return of the Oyo victims after their 56-day captivity, he highlighted the ongoing plight of those still held in his district.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Senator Ndume provided the following details regarding residents of his constituency who remain in captivity:

• Mussa Community: 42 people are still being held, including young children.

• Lassa: Over 30 residents, including students sitting for NECO examinations, are still in the hands of their captors.

• Gwoza: More than 50 people remain in captivity, even after some individuals from a previous, larger group of approximately 400 were released.

• Biu Route: There are ongoing concerns regarding travelers who were kidnapped along this route.

Senator’s Appeal and Security Perspective

Emphasizing the extreme emotional distress families are enduring, Senator Ndume requested that the military prioritize his senatorial district to facilitate the rescue of these citizens. Although he reaffirmed his confidence in the ability of Nigerian security agencies to address these criminal activities, he stated that personnel need better training, motivation, improved equipment, and more ammunition to succeed. The senator concluded by advocating for sustained military operations across Borno South until all abducted residents are safely reunited with their families.