The Nigerian Army has disclosed that the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State followed more than a month of coordinated security operations targeting the kidnappers’ leadership, logistics and informant network.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the 2 Division in Ibadan, Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the operation was coordinated by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, CR Nnebeife, alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the armed forces, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Defence Headquarters, the police, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
According to Danjuma, the operation focused on identifying those behind the abduction and dismantling their network and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest.
He said several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the group’s operations and placing sustained pressure on its members.
“The arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” he stated.
Danjuma noted that the operation was carefully executed to ensure the safe rescue of the hostages while preventing collateral damage.
He added that although security personnel recorded casualties during the mission, no details were provided regarding the number or identities of those affected.
According to the Army spokesperson, the rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
He also stated that security agencies will continue operations to apprehend other members of the kidnapping network and dismantle any remaining terrorist cells connected to the abduction.
