Army Details Month-Long Operation That Freed 44 Oyo Schoolchildren, Teachers

The Nigerian Army has revealed that the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State regained their freedom after a sustained intelligence-led joint security operation that lasted more than a month and dismantled the kidnappers' network.

The victims, who spent 56 days in captivity after they were abducted on May 15, were rescued on Friday in an operation involving multiple security agencies and local security outfits.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson for the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the operation was coordinated by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife.

According to him, the operation targeted the kidnappers' camps and support network within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.

He said the mission brought together operatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as well as Amotekun operatives, local vigilantes and hunters.

Danjuma said the coordinated operation resulted in multiple arrests in Oyo State and several other states, disrupting the kidnappers operations and forcing them to release the victims.

"These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations will be conducted," he said.

The Army spokesperson explained that the operation was carefully planned to ensure the victims were rescued without collateral damage.

He, however, disclosed that security forces recorded casualties during the operation but did not provide details on the number of personnel affected.

According to the statement, all the rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before they are handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

The GOC commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic direction, operational support and the necessary resources that contributed to the success of the rescue mission.

He also praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their cooperation and support throughout the operation.

Major General Nnebeife further commended all participating security agencies for what he described as their professionalism, resilience and commitment in securing the victims' release.

He also expressed appreciation to media organisations and Nigerians for their patience, support and confidence in the country's security architecture during the rescue effort.

"We sincerely thank the various media organisations and indeed the entire Nigerian populace for their support, understanding and faith in the nation's security architecture.

"We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to assist ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and property across Nigeria," Danjuma said.