More than 40 Kids and Teachers Freed in Nigerian Army Raid
By Makuochi Okafor, BBC Africa, Lagos
Published: 3 hours ago
The army says 44 pupils and teachers who vanished on 15 May from three Oyo schools are now safe. The rescued children and teachers have been taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment and will return home when they are ready, the army spokesman announced on Friday evening.
Families, describing the ordeal as harrowing, still await reunion with their loved ones. “It was a harrowing experience… but we thank God that it ended well,” Prof Wole Alamu told the BBC. His wife, Rachael Folawe Alamu, the head‑teacher of Community Grammar School, added that seeing videos of her colleagues and pupils was especially difficult.
The operation, lasting a month, involved soldiers, police, intelligence agencies and local vigilantes. Reports say several soldiers lost their lives, although no further details were released. The army also said it had arrested several suspects, though the number still at large was not disclosed.
Key targets in the raid were the Nigerian police, intelligence services, surrounding forests – particularly the Old Oyo National Park, a known hideout for criminal gangs and jihadist cells – and informants who supported the kidnappers.
Dispatches from the operation note that 44 people – associates of three schools: Baptist Nursery and Primary, LA Primary and Community Grammar – were abducted. Children in these institutions are usually aged between two and 18, but the exact ages of the freed captives were not confirmed.
Teachers’ Union leader Hassan Ajibola said he was “happy and elated” at the victims’ safe return but urged authorities to enforce stronger security, citing the Safe School Initiative launched over a decade ago. He called for deployment of security personnel, CCTV, regular patrols, fencing and community support groups to safeguard schools.
The surge in Nigerian kidnappings, especially in the predominantly Christian south‑west, has caused widespread concern ahead of the 2026 general election. Lawmakers and rights groups still demand a thorough investigation into how funds earmarked for the Safe School Initiative have been used.
