The Nigerian Army has explained how troops and other security agencies rescued pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.
Military authorities said the month-long intelligence operation targeted the kidnappers’ leaders, logistics network, informants and forest hideouts. The strategy eventually forced the group to release the captives.
Security agencies coordinated rescue mission
In a statement on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, said Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, led the operation.
The mission brought together personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre and Defence Headquarters. Troops also worked with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The Army said troops rescued 44 pupils and teachers during the operation.
“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, busting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State.”
Arrests weakened kidnappers’ network
The Army said security operatives arrested several suspects in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation.
According to the military, the arrests disrupted the kidnappers’ activities, cut off their logistics network and mounted intense pressure on the group.
“These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted.”
The Army said troops carefully planned the mission to bring the victims home safely. However, it confirmed that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation.
Victims receive medical care
Doctors are treating the rescued pupils and teachers at an undisclosed hospital. Authorities will reunite them with their families after medical checks.
The Army thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic support throughout the operation. It also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, and other participating security agencies.
Military authorities also thanked media organisations and members of the public for supporting security operations. They urged Nigerians to continue providing credible information to help security agencies prevent future attacks.
Presidency confirms rescue
Gunmen kidnapped the pupils and teachers on May 15 after attacking Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
During the attack, the gunmen killed Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan as he tried to escape. They later beheaded another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, while holding him captive.
The Army said troops rescued 44 victims. Earlier official records, however, put the number of abducted pupils and teachers at 46. The military did not explain the difference.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that all the victims had regained their freedom.
He said security operatives arrested eight suspected kidnappers and killed several others during the operation. He also disclosed that the Federal Government rejected the kidnappers’ demand to release a Boko Haram commander standing trial for terrorism.
President Tinubu also confirmed the rescue in a separate statement.
“No ransom was paid.”
“No concession was made.”
The President directed emergency agencies to work with the Oyo State Government. He asked them to provide medical care and other relief for the rescued pupils and teachers. Tinubu also pledged to secure justice for the victims and the family of the late Michael Oyedokun.
What happens next?
Security agencies will continue searching for the remaining members of the kidnapping network. Investigators will also question the arrested suspects as authorities intensify efforts to prevent similar attacks across the country.
