The Nigerian Army says a series of arrests carried out during a month-long intelligence-led operation forced terrorists to release the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to the army, the coordinated operation began after the victims were kidnapped on May 15 and focused on dismantling the criminal network responsible for the abduction, culminating in their release on July 10.
The victims regained their freedom nearly two months after they were taken by armed men.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the operation was led by Major General C.R. Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division.
He explained that the operation involved personnel from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian 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), alongside local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.
According to the statement, security forces targeted the masterminds of the abduction by identifying and dismantling their logistics network, informants and hideouts located in the Old Oyo National Park forest and other parts of the country.
The army disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other locations nationwide, disrupting the kidnappers’ operations and piling pressure on the group to release the captives without conditions.
“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 added that further operations are underway to apprehend other members of the criminal group.
It also stated that the rescue mission was carefully planned to ensure the victims were freed safely without collateral damage, although some military personnel sustained casualties during the operation.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The GOC commended President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic guidance and support throughout the operation.
He also praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting security agencies during the rescue mission.
The army further acknowledged the contributions of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu, other service chiefs, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, and the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA for their coordination and support.
The statement urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across the country.