The Nigerian Army says the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State on May 15 were released unconditionally by their captors on Friday, July 10.
In a statement, the Army said the operation that secured their release was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General CR Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).
The operation also involved the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies.
According to the Army, the operation, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their networks and logistics chains, and targeting their informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest.
The military said multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and several other states across the country.
“These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them, and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations will be conducted.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage while ensuring the safe rescue of the innocent children and teachers. However, there were some casualties among the security forces,” the statement read.
The Army added that the rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course for reunification with their families.
