The Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army have provided fresh updates on efforts to rescue dozens of schoolchildren and teachers abducted during separate attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states, assuring Nigerians that security operations are ongoing.
The victims, who were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on May 15, have now spent more than 50 days in captivity, raising growing concerns about their safety and wellbeing.
In Oyo State, the Police Command expressed confidence that the abducted pupils and teachers would be rescued safely.
Speaking on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Olushola, assured that security agencies were working towards securing the victims’ freedom.
“Yes, I can assure you they will be rescued unhurt,” Olushola said.
The assurance comes amid increasing anxiety over the fate of 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a school principal, who were abducted after gunmen attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School in Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The incident shocked the country after the attackers later released a video showing the killing of one of the abducted teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun. Reports also emerged claiming that an abducted pupil had died in captivity, but the Oyo State Police Command dismissed the report as false.
Security sources have indicated that the victims are believed to be held within the Old Oyo National Park, where troops are conducting operations aimed at rescuing them alive. The kidnappers are also believed to have access to escape routes leading into neighbouring Kwara State.
In Borno State, suspected terrorists believed to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacked Central Primary School in Mussa village, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, abducting about 50 schoolchildren after firing sporadically in the community.
Although reports suggested that some of the children had regained their freedom, the Borno State Police Command said it had not received any official update on the rescue operation.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daso Nahum Kenneth, explained that the military was leading the operation.
“For now, the operation is being coordinated by the military under the theatre of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) and I have not gotten any update from them yet,” Kenneth said.
“I have not been informed if there was any rescue but if I get clear information, I will reach out to you.”
However, Operation HADIN KAI disclosed in a statement issued by its acting Military Information Officer, Mohammed Goni, that six of the abducted pupils had been rescued.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, said troops were making significant progress in efforts to rescue the abducted Oyo schoolchildren.
Speaking during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu expressed optimism that the operation would end successfully.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the Army Chief said.
“We are confident that the operation will lead to their safe rescue and reunion with their families.”
Medical experts have also expressed concern over the prolonged captivity of the children, warning that exposure to harsh weather conditions could have severe health consequences.
Paediatrician Dr. Hope Adejor said the victims, particularly younger children, remain vulnerable to several illnesses because of their continued exposure to rain and cold.
“The weather itself is harsh, even for adults. Yet children as young as four and five are out there in the bush, with no shelter,” she said.
“Pneumonia and other respiratory and cold-related illnesses are not things to gamble with. Some of them may not survive it.”
She added that the children could also face risks of malaria, hypothermia, leptospirosis and other diseases, even if they are eventually rescued, urging continued prayers and swift action to secure their release.
The prolonged captivity of the schoolchildren has continued to heighten anxiety among parents and residents of the affected communities as security agencies intensify efforts to bring the victims home safely.
