The Nigerian Army has announced the unconditional release of the 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted in Oyo State on May 15, saying the victims regained their freedom on Friday, July 10, following a coordinated security operation.
In a statement, the Army said the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, 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.
The operation also involved personnel from 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 agencies.
According to the Army, the month-long operation focused on identifying and tracking the terrorist leaders responsible for the abduction, dismantling their networks and logistics channels, and locating their informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest.
The military disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation.
According to the statement, the arrests disrupted the group’s activities and placed sustained pressure on the kidnappers, ultimately forcing them to release the abducted pupils and teachers unconditionally.
“The arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted,” 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 members of the security forces were killed or injured during the operation.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government before being reunited with their families.
