The Nigerian Army has disclosed that sustained intelligence-led operations and the dismantling of a terrorist network were responsible for the unconditional release of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in captivity following an attack on May 15, when armed terrorists invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele; and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele.
A total of 46 persons, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were initially abducted during the attack.
However, two teachers lost their lives during the ordeal. Adegboye Adesiyan was killed during the invasion, while Michael Oyedokun was murdered in captivity, leaving 44 survivors who were eventually rescued.
The victims were released on Friday after what security authorities described as a month-long intelligence-driven operation coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
In a statement issued on Monday, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division in Ibadan, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, said the operation involved painstaking intelligence gathering aimed at identifying and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction.
According to him, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Department of State Services, Defence Headquarters, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
Danjuma explained that security operatives focused on identifying the kingpins behind the abduction and dismantling their leadership, logistics and informant networks operating within the Old Oyo National Park forest.
He disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation, significantly weakening the terrorist group’s operational capacity.
“The arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the army spokesperson said.
He added that the operation was carefully executed to ensure the safe recovery of the hostages while minimising the risk of collateral damage.
Although he confirmed that security forces suffered casualties during the operation, he did not disclose the number or identities of the affected personnel.
Danjuma said the rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.
He also assured that security agencies would continue operations to apprehend other members of the terrorist network and dismantle any remaining cells linked to the abduction.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu hailed the successful operation and commended the security agencies for what he described as their heroic efforts.
The president revealed that many of the terrorists involved in the kidnapping were killed during the operation, while eight others were arrested.
Tinubu also directed relevant emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care, psychosocial support, and other relief services for the rescued pupils and teachers, while pledging that those responsible for the attack would face justice.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde equally praised the security agencies for the successful operation, stressing that no ransom was paid to secure the release of the victims.
