The rescue of 46 pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State has brought to an end a 56-day kidnapping saga that sparked nationwide outrage, protests and prolonged rescue efforts.

The victims regained their freedom on Friday after security agencies carried out an operation that led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were killed.

Announcing the development, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, wrote on X: “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.”

He added that eight suspects are in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), dismissing claims that the victims were released through a prisoner swap.

Below is a timeline of the major events and how freed Oyo pupils, teachers spent 56 days in bandits’ captivity.

May 15: Gunmen invade schools

Dozens of armed men riding motorcycles attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA.

The attackers opened fire before abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, including the principal of Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Folawe Alamu. A two-year-old child was also taken during the raid, while at least one person was killed.

President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack and directed security agencies to ensure the victims’ safe return.

Late May: Teacher killed in captivity

The crisis worsened after one of the abducted teachers, mathematics instructor Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded in a video allegedly released by the kidnappers.

The killing, captured In a video circulated online, drew widespread condemnation and intensified calls for the victims’ rescue.

May 31: Federal Government’s intervention

A Federal Government delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the affected communities alongside the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and presidential aide Sunday Dare.

President Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and ordered security agencies to intensify rescue operations.

Around the same period, reports emerged that the kidnappers demanded the release of two Boko Haram/Ansaru commanders, Mahmud Usman (“Abu Bara’a”) and his deputy Abubakar Abba, in exchange for the captives.

June 1: NUT indefinite strike

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) directed public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike, insisting schools would remain shut until the abducted pupils and teachers regained their freedom.

June: False release claims

Several claims surfaced on social media alleging that the victims had been rescued.

However, the Oyo State Government and the police repeatedly debunked the reports, urging the public to rely on official updates.

Late June: Pressure mounts, protests

Civil society groups and social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, mounted pressure on the Oyo State Government over the prolonged captivity.

Authorities maintained that no ransom had been paid to secure the victims’ release.

July 2: Strike suspended

The NUT called off its strike after receiving assurances from the state government that rescue efforts had intensified, while expressing concern over the disruption to pupils’ education.

July 8–9: Military explains delay

As rescue efforts continued, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa disclosed that security agencies avoided a direct assault because the kidnappers had threatened to kill the captives if troops attacked their hideout.

He said the operation relied heavily on intelligence gathering to ensure the victims were rescued safely, while Army Chief Waidi Shaibu disclosed that troops were closing in on the kidnappers.

July 10: Freedom after 56 days

The breakthrough came on Friday, July 10, when the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the successful rescue of all surviving pupils and teachers.

According to the Presidency, eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and handed over to the Department of State Services, while several others were killed during the operation.

Onanuga also dismissed reports that the government negotiated a prisoner exchange, insisting that there was “no quid pro quo.”

He said the terrorist suspects demanded by the kidnappers remain in government custody and are still facing terrorism-related charges. (Daily Trust)