Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife: Meet The General Who Led the Oriire Oyo Rescue Operations

“I broke down,” tributes a professor at the university of Ibadan, Ayobami Ojebode, wrote on sacrifices by the Nigerian Army-led rescue operations’ team

Major General Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army Ibadan, Oyo State reportedly coordinated the operations that led to the eventual unconditional release of the 44 teachers and students Abducted by terrorists and kept in the forest of the Old Oyo National Park for 54 days.

For 54 days General Nnebeife led the intelligence-led carefully planned and executed operations.

The operations, according to reports, were conducted in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) specifically the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy, the Air Force and the Nigeria Police.

The tactical team also includes the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

Others are the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies as well as local vigilantes/hunters/Amotekuns, who also participated actively in a well coordinated operation rescued a total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.

The feat has been commended by many Nigerians who gave Kudos to all the gallant members of the security forces.

A professor at the university of Ibadan, Ayobami Ojebode, who wrote a commendation piece on his Facebook page about the rescue said that he broke down seeing the way the soldiers gave hope to the rescued children.

“When the tall, huge soldier placed his hand on the shoulder of the sobbing child and said, “You’ll be alright, ehn! The LORD has done it for you. You are now safe … you are going home now” … I broke down!

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“Who, please, who will tell these officers and men that we love them … and that we pray for them … and that we appreciate their sacrifices? HQ Nigerian Army Nigerian Air Force HQ. Oriire abduction and rescue … A ku ori ire!”

Idowu Soetan added; “I thank you Nigerian Army for service to the fatherland. May the Good Lord continue to bless and protect you and grant the souls of our fallen men eternal repose.”

NOP NIGERIA