The Nigerian Army has explained how its troops, in collaboration with other security agencies, secured the release of pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after spending 56 days in captivity.
The Army stated that the victims were freed through an intelligence-driven operation that continued for over a month, targeting the kidnappers’ network and hideouts inside the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, shortly after the rescue, by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the military said the operation was spearheaded by troops of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife.
The troops carried out the mission in conjunction with personnel from other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The Army disclosed that a total of 44 abducted pupils and teachers were successfully rescued.
It noted that the operation centred on identifying the terrorist leaders responsible for the abduction, dismantling their logistics structure and apprehending their informants.
“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 cripple kidnappers’ network
According to the Army, several suspects were apprehended in Oyo State and other parts of the country, a move it said destabilised the group’s operations and compelled the terrorists to release the captives.
“As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states in the country.
“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,” it stated.
The Army added that the mission was executed with great caution to guarantee the victims’ safe rescue without causing collateral damage.
“However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement added.
The military further revealed that the rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunion with their families.
The GOC, speaking on behalf of all participating agencies, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his strategic direction and support, which he said played a significant role in the success of the mission.
He also praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other service chiefs, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as heads of other security agencies for their contributions.
The Army equally thanked media organisations and Nigerians for supporting security agencies and encouraged citizens to remain vigilant by providing timely and reliable intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.
Presidency confirms rescue
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 after armed men attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to earlier official records, 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted during the attack, while the assistant headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, was killed while trying to escape.
Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the terrorists during captivity.
According to media reports, while the Army announced that 44 victims were rescued, earlier official accounts indicated that 46 people were abducted, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers. It remains unclear whether the Army’s figure excludes the two teachers who lost their lives.
However, confirming the rescue in a statement on Friday evening, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said all the victims were rescued.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo, have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.
He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services.
He added that several other members of the gang were neutralised by security operatives during the operation.
According to him, the victims were rescued without the Federal Government acceding to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a Boko Haram kingpin standing trial for terrorism.
In a separate statement on his X handle, Tinubu also announced that the abducted children and teachers were freed alive and unharmed.
He stressed that “no ransom was paid” and “no concession was made.”
The President, while expressing satisfaction over the successful operation, also pledged that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and the family of Oyedokun.
He further directed emergency response agencies to collaborate with the Oyo State Government in providing medical care and other relief assistance for the rescued pupils and teachers.
According to media reports, residents, travellers and passers-by in the Ogbomoso area of Oyo State celebrated the successful rescue.
Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, the Allied Peoples Movement and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, welcomed the safe return of the victims and urged the Federal Government to adopt stronger measures to prevent similar incidents and improve security nationwide.
