How 44 Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Were Rescued After 56 Days in Captivity – Army Gives Details

• The Nigerian Army has detailed how a month-long intelligence operation involving multiple security agencies dismantled a suspected Ansaru terrorist network…

The Nigerian Army has revealed how troops, working alongside other security agencies, successfully rescued 44 pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the Army said the victims regained their freedom following an intelligence-led operation that lasted for more than a month and targeted the kidnappers’ network, logistics chain and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.

The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, with support from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters Special Forces, 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 vigilantes and hunters.

According to the Army, the operation focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their logistics network, uncovering informants and destroying their hideouts.

“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,” the statement said.

The Army disclosed that multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country, disrupting the group’s operations and placing overwhelming pressure on the kidnappers.

“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 statement added.

The military said the operation was carefully executed to ensure the victims were rescued safely without collateral damage, although it confirmed that some security personnel suffered casualties during the mission.

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 victims were abducted on May 15 after gunmen 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.

Earlier official reports indicated that 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken during the attack. The assistant headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, was killed while attempting to escape, while another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the terrorists during captivity.

Although the Army said 44 victims were rescued, earlier official accounts indicated that 46 people had been abducted. It remains unclear whether the Army’s figure excludes the two teachers who lost their lives.

Confirming the operation, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced that all the abducted pupils and teachers had been rescued.

He also disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the DSS, while several other members of the gang were neutralised during the operation.

According to Onanuga, the victims were freed without the Federal Government paying any ransom or accepting the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a Boko Haram commander standing trial for terrorism.

President Bola Tinubu also confirmed the successful rescue, stressing that “no ransom was paid” and “no concession was made.”

He directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care and other support for the rescued pupils and teachers, while vowing that justice would be served for the victims and the family of the slain teacher, Michael Oyedokun.

The successful operation sparked celebrations across Ogbomoso, as opposition parties and political leaders welcomed the victims’ safe return and called for stronger security measures to prevent similar attacks in the future.