44 Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Freed After One-Month Secret Security Operation, Army Reveals

 

The Nigerian Army has revealed how a month-long intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the victims regained their freedom on July 10 after what it described as a “carefully planned and executed” operation targeting the kidnappers’ network.

According to the statement, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, and involved personnel from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes.

The Army disclosed that the operation lasted for more than one month and focused on tracking the kidnappers’ leaders, dismantling their network and cutting off their logistics and support systems.

According to the military, security operatives also identified and raided several hideouts used by the suspects within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.

Several suspects were arrested during the operation in Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria.

The Army said the arrests disrupted the activities of the criminal group and mounted enough pressure on the kidnappers to release the 44 victims unconditionally.

Military authorities added that the operation was carefully planned to ensure that none of the abducted pupils or teachers was harmed during the rescue.

However, the Army confirmed that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation but did not disclose the number of officers affected.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.

The military also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic support for the operation and thanked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Defence Headquarters, Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as other security agencies for their collaboration.

The Army further commended local hunters, Amotekun operatives, vigilantes and members of the public for providing useful information that contributed to the success of the operation.

It assured Nigerians that further operations would continue to ensure that all those involved in the kidnapping are arrested and brought to justice.