The Nigerian Army has confirmed that the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State on May 15 have been released unconditionally by their captors following a coordinated month-long security operation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Army said the rescue effort was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, and Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Other agencies involved in the operation included the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security organisations.
According to the Army, the operation, which lasted for more than one month, targeted the terrorist kingpins responsible for the abduction and dismantled their operational networks, logistics channels, informants, and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.
The military disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country, a development that disrupted the criminal network and mounted significant pressure on the terrorists.
“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 statement said.
The Army added that the operation was carefully planned and executed to avoid civilian casualties while ensuring the safe rescue of the victims. It, however, noted that some security personnel suffered casualties during the operation.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families after medical evaluation.
The Army also stated that follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the terrorist network.
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