The Nigerian Army has disclosed that sustained military operations, intelligence-led arrests and coordinated pressure mounted on a terrorist network over several weeks forced the unconditional release of 44 abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims, who were kidnapped on May 15, regained their freedom on Friday, July 10, following a joint security operation involving the military, intelligence agencies, police and local security outfits.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the operation targeted the terrorists’ leadership, logistics chain, informants and hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
According to the Army, multiple suspects linked to the kidnapping were arrested in Oyo State and several other parts of the country, disrupting the criminal network and leaving the kidnappers with no option but to free the captives.
The Army explained that the operation lasted for more than a month and was carefully planned to ensure the safe rescue of the victims while avoiding civilian casualties. It, however, acknowledged that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation.
The rescue mission was led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as Amotekun operatives, local vigilantes and hunters.
The Army said 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.
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