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 an intensive month-long counter-terrorism operation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Army said the coordinated rescue mission was spearheaded by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Ibadan, Christopher R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies.
According to the Army, the operation, which lasted for over one month, targeted the terrorist kingpins responsible for the abduction and focused on dismantling their operational networks, logistics chain, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.
The military disclosed that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and across other parts of the country, a move it said crippled the criminal syndicate and mounted overwhelming pressure on the terrorists.
“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 statement said.
The Army added that the operation was meticulously planned and executed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims while avoiding collateral damage, although it acknowledged that some security personnel lost their lives during the mission.
It further stated that follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the terrorist network and completely dismantle the group’s activities.
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.
