44 Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Rescued After Month-Long Joint Security Operation

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Forty-four pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after a month-long intelligence-led operation involving the military, intelligence agencies and other security services.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Nigerian Army said the victims, abducted on 15 May, were rescued on 10 July following a carefully coordinated operation led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife.

The operation involved troops of the Nigerian Army, the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Special Forces from the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun personnel.

He said the operation focused on dismantling the kidnapping network by identifying its leaders, logistics chain, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.

Also multiple suspects were arrested in Oyo State and several other states, disrupting the group’s operations and mounting pressure on the kidnappers, who eventually released the pupils and teachers unconditionally.

The statement added that the rescue mission was carefully planned to prevent collateral damage and ensure the safe recovery of the victims. It, however, disclosed that some members of the security forces were killed or injured during the operation, without giving further details.

The rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will later be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

The Army said follow-up operations were continuing to apprehend other members of the kidnapping network.

He conveyed the appreciation of the GOC to President Bola Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support, as well as to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, and other security agencies for their collaboration during the operation.

It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.