A carefully coordinated security operation involving the Nigerian military and multiple security agencies has led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, bringing an end to nearly two months of uncertainty for the victims and their families.
The Nigerian Army disclosed on Friday that the hostages regained their freedom following an intelligence-driven operation that lasted for more than a month and targeted the terrorist network responsible for the May 15 abduction.
According to the Army, the operation was spearheaded by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife, with support from the Office of the National Security Adviser, including the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, special forces drawn from the Army, Navy and 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 local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun personnel.
Old Oyo National Park
The military said the operation focused on tracking down the masterminds of the kidnapping, dismantling their logistics network and identifying their informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
It noted that intelligence gathering and sustained pressure on the kidnappers resulted in several arrests across Oyo State and other parts of the country.
The Army said the arrests disrupted the activities of the criminal group and eventually forced the kidnappers to release the victims without conditions.
“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State,” the statement said.
It added: “As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some States in the Country. These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers.”
The Army explained that the operation was meticulously planned to ensure the safe recovery of the hostages while minimising risks to innocent lives.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement added.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The Army also disclosed that follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network.
Commending those involved in the mission, the GOC expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing the strategic direction and support that contributed to the success of the operation.
He also thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, 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, heads of other security agencies, and local security volunteers for their collaboration.
The Army further appreciated media organisations and Nigerians for their patience and support throughout the operation, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across the country.
