The Nigerian Army has narrated how troops, working with other security agencies, successfully rescued the 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after an intensive, intelligence-driven operation that lasted for more than a month.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters.
According to the Army, the operation focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the May 15 abduction, dismantling their networks, logistics chains, informants, and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
It disclosed that security operatives carried out multiple arrests in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the criminal syndicate and mounting sustained pressure that eventually forced the kidnappers to release the victims unconditionally.
“The arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement said.
The Army explained that the rescue mission was carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and ensure the safe recovery of the victims, although some security personnel paid the supreme sacrifice during the operation.
It added that the rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The Army expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic guidance and support for the operation, while also thanking Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their cooperation throughout the rescue mission.
It further commended the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, and heads of other security agencies for ensuring effective coordination during the operation.
The Nigerian Army also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal activities across the country.
