The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says troops are making significant progress in efforts to rescue the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.
Shaibu disclosed this on Saturday during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
The victims were kidnapped 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 optimism that the ongoing operation would secure the victims’ safe return and reunite them with their families.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remains actively engaged in operations across the country’s six geopolitical zones to tackle evolving security challenges.
Highlighting operations in the North-East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had recorded major successes against insurgents and terrorists, including the elimination of a high-profile Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners.
“Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised over 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists have surrendered to troops,” he said.
According to him, improved security in the region has 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 weaken bandit groups through the neutralisation of criminal elements and the recovery of weapons.
He also highlighted gains recorded in the North-Central through Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield, noting that they had strengthened 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, with no reported disruptions during the last Christmas celebrations.
“In the South South, the nation’s oil output has improved, which is a testament to the success of operations against illegal bunkering, crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism,” he said.
Shaibu described the South-West as one of the country’s most peaceful regions, aside from the recent abduction in Oyo State.
The army chief also announced that the Federal Government had approved measures to boost military manpower in response to emerging security threats.
He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, increasing 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 place greater emphasis 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 further disclosed that the Army had acquired armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance operational effectiveness.
