A month-long, intelligence-led joint security operation has culminated in the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, with the military confirming that some security personnel suffered casualties during the mission. Although further details have not been provided.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the victims were rescued on July 10 following carefully planned and coordinated operations involving multiple security and intelligence agencies.
According to the statement, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, including the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from 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, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun personnel.
The military said the operation, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the May 15 abduction. It targeted the group’s kingpins, logistics network, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
It disclosed that multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the terrorists’ operations and placing them under overwhelming pressure, which ultimately led to the unconditional release of the abducted pupils and teachers.
The Army said the mission was meticulously planned to prevent collateral damage and ensure the safe rescue of all the victims. It, however, acknowledged that the security forces recorded casualties during the operation, although no further details were provided.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The GOC, on behalf of all participating agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his strategic guidance, support and the resources provided for the operation. He also thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, and other security agencies for their cooperation and seamless coordination.
The military also commended the media and Nigerians for their patience, understanding and confidence in the nation’s security architecture, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations across the country.