The Nigerian Army has disclosed how a coordinated security operation led to the rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
In a statement released on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the Army said the rescue followed an intelligence-driven operation that lasted for more than a month. The mission targeted the kidnappers’ leadership, logistics network, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.
The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, with support from multiple security agencies, including the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
According to the Army, 44 abducted pupils and teachers were successfully rescued during the operation.
Military authorities said several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the kidnappers’ activities and placing sustained pressure on the group, which eventually resulted in the unconditional release of the captives.
The Army noted that the operation was carefully planned to ensure the victims were rescued safely without collateral damage. However, it confirmed that some members of the security forces lost their lives during the mission.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital before they are reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.
On behalf of the participating security agencies, Maj. Gen. Nnebeife expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his strategic support, which he said contributed significantly to the success of the mission.
He also acknowledged the support of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the leadership of the DSS, NIA and other security agencies.
The Army further thanked media organisations and Nigerians for supporting security operations and encouraged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to assist ongoing efforts against criminal groups.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
Earlier reports indicated that 39 pupils and seven teachers were kidnapped during the attack. The assistant headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, was killed while trying to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was later murdered by the kidnappers during captivity.
Although the Army confirmed the rescue of 44 victims, previous official figures stated that 46 people were abducted, suggesting the two teachers who died may not have been included in the rescue count.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga later confirmed that all surviving pupils and teachers had been rescued. He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several others were neutralised during the operation.
He also stated that the Federal Government did not pay any ransom or accept the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a Boko Haram commander facing terrorism charges.
President Bola Tinubu also confirmed the successful rescue, describing it as a major achievement by the nation’s security agencies. He reiterated that the victims were freed alive without any ransom payment or concessions to the kidnappers.
The President pledged that justice would be served for the victims and the family of the late teacher, Michael Oyedokun. He also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government in providing medical care and other forms of support for the rescued victims.
Following the rescue, residents of Ogbomoso and surrounding communities celebrated the development, while opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, the Allied Peoples Movement and Omoyele Sowore, welcomed the successful operation and urged the Federal Government to strengthen security measures to prevent future attacks.
