A sustained intelligence driven military operation that lasted more than one month has culminated in the rescue of 44 abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending about 56 days in captivity, the Nigerian Army has revealed.
The operation, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Nnebeife, involved coordinated efforts by the military, intelligence agencies, police and local security outfits.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operation was executed in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The Army disclosed that the operations focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the May 15 abduction, dismantling their networks and cutting off their logistics and intelligence support within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
According to the statement, multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country, severely disrupting the activities of the criminal network.
The military said the sustained pressure eventually compelled the terrorists to unconditionally release the kidnapped pupils and teachers.
The Army stressed that the operation was carefully planned to ensure the victims were rescued without collateral damage, although some security personnel paid the supreme price during the mission.
“The operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and to ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement said.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for rehabilitation and reunion with their families.
The Army expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing the strategic direction and support that made the operation successful.
It also commended 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, as well as other participating security agencies for their collaboration throughout the operation.
The Army urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and other violent crimes across the country.
