The Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, has said military troops are closing in on rescuing the 39 pupils and seven teachers kidnapped in Oyo State, expressing confidence that the victims will soon be reunited with their families.
Speaking at a media engagement in Port Harcourt during activities for the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Shaibu reaffirmed that troops have sustained rescue operations since the abduction of the victims from three schools in Orire Local Government Area on May 15.
“Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo State, and we are making tremendous progress,” he said.
Beyond the rescue mission, the army chief said troops have continued to record successes against insurgents, terrorists and bandits in different parts of the country, leading to improved security in several regions.
He also revealed that the Federal Government has approved additional measures to strengthen the Nigerian Army, including the establishment of another training depot and the recruitment of thousands of new personnel.
“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 military has upgraded its training programmes and expanded its use of advanced equipment to improve its response to security threats nationwide.
“The acquisition of armed and surveillance drones, alongside enhanced aviation capabilities, has improved response times and operational success across theatres of operation,” he added.
