The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has said troops are making significant progress in ongoing operations to rescue 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.
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Shaibu disclosed this on Saturday during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” the Army chief said.
He expressed confidence that the operation would lead to the safe rescue of the victims and their reunion with their families.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remained actively engaged in operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones in response to evolving security threats.
Speaking on the North-East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded major successes against insurgents and terrorists, including the recent neutralisation of a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners.
According to him, Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised more than 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists have surrendered to troops.
He added that improved security in the region had enabled displaced persons to return to their communities, citing the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Bama, Borno State.
In the North-West, Shaibu said Operation Fansan Yamma had continued to degrade bandit groups through the neutralisation of criminal elements and recovery of weapons.
He also highlighted gains in the North-Central through Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield, saying the operations had improved security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi states.
On the South-East, the COAS said the security situation had improved considerably, noting that there were no reported disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations.
He said the South-South had also recorded improved oil output as a result of successful operations against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Shaibu described the South-West as one of the most peaceful regions in the country, aside from the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.
The Army chief further disclosed that the Federal Government had approved measures to strengthen military manpower in response to emerging security challenges.
He said President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the number of Army depots to three.
According to him, the depots in Zaria, Kaduna State; Osogbo, Osun State; and Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, are expected to recruit and train 28,000 young Nigerians.
“I recently directed the recruitment of 28,000 young Nigerians to enhance manpower for our various operations across the country.
“So far, the Zaria depot has graduated 6,000 soldiers, Osogbo has graduated 5,000, while Amasiri-Edda will soon graduate 3,000, bringing the total to 14,000,” he said.
Shaibu added that the Army had reviewed its training curriculum to focus on marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
He said recruits now undergo about 11 months of intensive military training, including advanced infantry and acclimatisation exercises.
The COAS also disclosed that the Army had acquired armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to strengthen operational effectiveness.
He said personnel had been deployed for specialised training locally and abroad to ensure proficiency in the use of modern military equipment.
“The acquisition of armed and surveillance drones, alongside enhanced aviation capabilities, has improved response times and operational success across theatres of operation,” Shaibu said.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the country and responding effectively to emerging security challenges.
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