The Nigerian Army has disclosed that multiple arrests made during a month-long intelligence-led operation forced terrorists to release 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire LGA of Oyo ststate.
According to the army, the coordinated operation, which began after the victims were kidnapped on May 15, targeted the criminal network responsible for the abduction, leading to the rescue of the victims on July 1010.
Recall that the abducted pupils and teachers, on Friday, July 10 regained their freedom nearly two months after they were seized by gunmen.
Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, acting deputy director of 2 Division Army public relations, on Friday, in a statement, disclosed that the operation was led by Major General C.R. Nnebeife, general officer commanding (GOC) of the division.
He said the operation involved personnel from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy and 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), as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.
According to the statement, the operation focused on identifying the kingpins behind the abduction and dismantling their logistics network, informants and hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park forest and other parts of the country.
The army said multiple arrests were effected in Oyo and other states during the operation.
It said the arrests disrupted the operations of the kidnappers and mounted sufficient pressure on the group to release the victims unconditionally.
“Multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some States in the Country,” the statement reads.
“These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers.”
The army said further operations would be conducted to apprehend other members of the group.
The statement said the operation was carefully planned to ensure the safe rescue of the victims while avoiding collateral damage.
It, however, disclosed that there were casualties on the part of the army during the operation.
The rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital. They would subsequently be handed over to the Oyo state government for reunification with their families.
The GOC thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing what he described as strategic guidance and support throughout the operation.
He also commended Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, for supporting security agencies during the rescue mission.
The army further appreciated Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser; Christopher Musa, minister of defence; Olufemi Oluyede, chief of defence staff; Waidi Shaibu, chief of army staff; other service chiefs; Olatunji Disu, inspector-general of police; and the directors-general of the DSS and NIA for their support and coordination.
The statement urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen efforts to safeguard lives and property across the country.
