THE Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has said that troops are recording significant progress in efforts to rescue 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.
News Point Nigeria reports that Shaibu gave the update 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 abductees were taken on May 15 from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that has since triggered ongoing military operations aimed at securing their release.
Shaibu said, “Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” expressing confidence that the mission would end with the safe return of the victims and their reunion with their families.
He also stated that the Nigerian Army remains actively engaged in operations across all six geopolitical zones to address the country’s evolving security challenges.
On counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, Shaibu said troops under Operation Hadin Kai have recorded notable successes against insurgents and terrorists, including the neutralisation of a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners.
He added that, “Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised over 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists have surrendered to troops,” noting that improved security in the region has enabled displaced persons to return home, including the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Bama, Borno State.
In the North-West, he said Operation Fansan Yamma continues to degrade bandit networks through targeted operations involving neutralisation of criminal elements and recovery of weapons, while in the North-Central, Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, and the newly launched Operation Savannah Shield have improved security across Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger, and parts of Kogi States.
Shaibu further disclosed that the South-East has recorded improved stability, with no reported disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations, while the South-South has seen increased oil output as a result of sustained operations against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, and pipeline vandalism.
He described the South-West as one of the most peaceful regions, apart from the recent abduction incident in Oyo State, which is currently under active military response.
The Army Chief also announced that the Federal Government has approved new measures to strengthen military manpower, including the establishment of a new Nigerian Army depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, bringing the total number of 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, with ongoing graduations already producing thousands of trained soldiers.
“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 has reviewed its training curriculum to focus more on marksmanship, counter-insurgency, and counter-terrorism operations, with recruits now undergoing about 11 months of intensive military training, including advanced infantry and acclimatisation exercises.
He further disclosed that the Army has acquired armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles, and unmanned aerial vehicles to strengthen operational effectiveness, while personnel are also being deployed for specialised training both locally and abroad.
“The acquisition of armed and surveillance drones, alongside enhanced aviation capabilities, has improved response times and operational success across theatres of operation,” he added.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the country and responding decisively to emerging security threats across all regions.