The pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom.

The development was disclosed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

In a shared post on his verified X handle, Onanuga simply announced that the victims had been released by their abductors.

The freed pupils and teacher. Photo: Bayo Onanuga

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.

As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding their release, including whether any ransom was paid or the circumstances leading to their freedom, had yet to be disclosed.

The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools; Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

No fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were taken during the attacks.

During the attack, a teacher, Joel Adesiyan, was killed while attempting to escape.

Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded in the kidnappers’ den.

The terrorists holding the victims had reportedly made a four-point demand before agreeing to free the captives, including the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law.

The Oyo State Government had consistently maintained that no ransom would be paid to secure the release of any victims.

The incident had triggered weeks of public anguish, with the Nigeria Union of Teachers embarking on a month-long strike in the state to press for the victims’ rescue before suspending the action in July.

It also drew federal intervention, with military and police authorities repeatedly assuring Nigerians that operations to secure the victims’ freedom were ongoing.

…Harps on discipline, professionalism

The Enugu State Forest Guard has issued a new Order introducing comprehensive standards governing the dress code, operational turnout, accoutrements, corporate identity, discipline, and professional appearance of all officers and operatives of the Corps.

The new policy issued entitled Headquarters Standing Operational Order No. 178/2026 was announced by the the Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji, in Enugu.

He said the reforms are fully aligned with the vision of the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, to build a disciplined, intelligence-driven, technologically enabled, and highly professional security architecture capable of safeguarding lives, property, forests, and other critical assets across the State.

In statement issued by the Geraldine Chiagozie, an Assistant Superintendent of Forest Guard, Olasoji said the Order forms part of the ongoing institutional reforms aimed at strengthening discipline, reinforcing command and control, enhancing operational professionalism, and projecting a distinctive corporate identity for the Corps.

“As the operational activities of the Forest Guard continue to receive increasing public visibility through field operations, community engagements, television, radio, newspapers, and digital media platforms, it has become imperative to institutionalize uniform standards that reflect the discipline, professionalism, and values expected of a modern government security organization.

“The Standing Operational Order prescribes approved uniforms and their designated days of wear, operational dress for bush-combing and other field deployments, standards for approved accoutrements, lanyards, rank insignia, footwear, and personal grooming. It also establishes special dress codes for Administrative Officers and the Provost Unit to promote uniformity, professionalism, and easy identification throughout the Corps.

“The Order further prohibits the wearing of unauthorized uniforms, civilian attire (mufti) without authorization while on official duty, unauthorized footwear, and the use or public display of improvised wooden weapons during official assignments.

‘It emphasizes that only Headquarters-approved uniforms, equipment, and accoutrements shall be worn by personnel in the discharge of official duties.

“To ensure strict compliance, Directors, Senatorial Commanders, Zonal Commanders, Heads of Departments, Unit Commanders, and Sector Officers have been directed to conduct regular inspections before office duties, patrols, bush-combing operations, ceremonial activities, media engagements, and other official assignments. The Provost Unit has also been mandated to monitor compliance and enforce the provisions of the Standing Operational Order across all Commands and Units of the Corps,” the statement explained.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the Forest Guard, has also provided more insights into the significance of the initiative.

“Discipline begins with appearance. A professional security organization must be instantly recognized by its smart turnout, uniformity, discipline, and operational readiness. This Standing Operational Order is therefore not merely about uniforms; it is about strengthening our institutional culture, promoting accountability, reinforcing public confidence, and ensuring that every officer and operative represents the Government of Enugu State with dignity, honour, and professionalism,” the statement quoted Dr. Olasoji as saying.

The Commander reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Enugu State Forest Guard to continuous institutional improvement, operational excellence, intelligence-led security operations, respect for the rule of law, and effective collaboration with communities and other security agencies in promoting peace, public safety, and sustainable development throughout Enugu State.

Meanwhile, the Headquarters Standing Operational Order takes immediate effect, and all Commands and Units have been directed to ensure immediate and full compliance with its provisions.