The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has said Nigerian troops are making significant progress in efforts to rescue the 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May.

Speaking during an interactive session with media executives in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, the army chief expressed confidence that the ongoing operation would lead to the safe return of all the victims to their families.He also used the opportunity to give an update on military operations across the country.

According to him, troops under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East have recorded major successes against insurgents, including the killing of a senior Islamic State commander, Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, in collaboration with United States partners.He added that more than 1,800 insurgents had been neutralised, while many others surrendered.

Mr Shaibu said improved security had allowed displaced persons to return home, pointing to the closure of the Bama Internally Displaced Persons camp in Borno State.

He further highlighted ongoing operations against bandits in the North-West and security missions in the North-Central, South-East and South-South, saying they had improved safety and helped protect critical infrastructure, especially oil facilities.The army chief described the South-West as generally peaceful apart from the recent school abduction in Oyo.

He also announced that the Federal Government had approved measures to strengthen military manpower through expanded recruitment and the establishment of a new army depot in Ebonyi State.

In addition, he said the Nigerian Army had acquired modern equipment, including armoured vehicles, mine-resistant vehicles and drones, while personnel were receiving specialised training to improve operational effectiveness in tackling the country's security challenges.