Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has expressed strong optimism over ongoing efforts to rescue the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted in Oyo State.
He said military operations are recording encouraging progress.
Shaibu gave the assurance on Saturday during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities commemorating the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.
The victims were abducted 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 confidence that the ongoing operation would culminate in the safe rescue of the victims and their eventual reunion with their families.
While reviewing the army’s operations across the country, Shaibu said troops remained actively deployed in all six geopolitical zones to confront the nation’s evolving security threats.
Speaking on the North-East, he said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had continued to record major successes against insurgents and terrorist groups.
According to him, the operation recently eliminated a top Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in a joint effort with United States partners.
“Operation Hadin Kai has neutralised over 1,872 insurgents, while many terrorists have surrendered to troops,” he said.
He added that the improved security situation had encouraged displaced persons to return to their communities, pointing to the recent closure of the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Bama, Borno State.
In the North-West, Shaibu said Operation Fansan Yamma had sustained pressure on bandit groups through the elimination of criminal elements and the recovery of weapons.
He also highlighted the achievements of Operations Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield in the North-Central region, noting that the operations had strengthened security in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger and parts of Kogi states.
On security developments in the South-East, the COAS said the situation had improved considerably, stressing that there were 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.
Describing the South-West as one of the country’s most peaceful regions, Shaibu noted that the recent abduction in Oyo State remained an isolated security concern.
The army chief also disclosed that the Federal Government had approved measures aimed at boosting military manpower to tackle emerging security challenges nationwide.
He said President Bola Tinubu had authorised the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, increasing the number of army depots in the country to three.
According to him, the depots located in Zaria, Kaduna State; Osogbo, Osun State; and Amasiri-Edda are expected to recruit and train a total of 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 further revealed that the army had reviewed its training curriculum to place greater emphasis on marksmanship, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
He explained that recruits now undergo about 11 months of intensive military training, including advanced infantry and acclimatisation exercises.
The COAS also said the Nigerian Army had strengthened its operational capabilities through the acquisition of armoured personnel carriers, mine-resistant vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
He added that personnel were being sent for specialised training both within and outside the country to ensure effective deployment of the newly acquired equipment.
“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 protecting the country and responding decisively to emerging security threats.
