The release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State followed weeks of sustained pressure from security agencies, according to security sources.
The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity. Security sources said the kidnappers abandoned them after becoming surrounded during a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Army, Navy Special Forces, the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), the Nigerian Air Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The abductors, identified by security sources as members of the Ansaru terrorist group, were reportedly trapped inside the Old Oyo National Forest after security forces blocked major entry and exit routes. The forest stretches into parts of Niger and Kwara states.
Sources said the kidnappers initially demanded the release of detained Ansaru members, a large ransom and other conditions. As the operation intensified, they dropped those demands and instead requested a safe passage in exchange for releasing the hostages unharmed.
Authorities approved the request to prioritise the safety of the children and teachers. The kidnappers then abandoned the captives and fled through a corridor leading toward Borgu.
Security officials said eight suspected terrorists were killed during the operation, while several others were arrested and handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
A security source said the operation focused on rescuing the hostages alive rather than confronting the kidnappers while the victims remained at risk.
"The priority was to rescue the children and teachers alive. Once they were safe, the operation against the terrorists continued," the source said.
The source also dismissed reports that any of the abducted pupils died in captivity, stating that all the children were rescued alive and are receiving medical attention and psychosocial support.
In a statement, the Nigerian Army confirmed that 44 pupils and teachers were rescued. It said the operation targeted the group's leadership, logistics network, informants and hideouts in the Old Oyo National Forest.
According to the Army, multiple arrests disrupted the kidnappers' network and forced the unconditional release of the hostages. It added that follow-up operations are ongoing.
The Army acknowledged the contributions of the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The rescue has brought relief to many families whose relatives were held captive. Parents and relatives expressed gratitude to the security agencies and the federal and Oyo State governments for securing the victims' release.
However, the family of teacher Michael Oyedokun, who was killed during the ordeal, said the return of the other victims could not erase their loss. His niece, Oluwabukolami, welcomed the safe return of the remaining hostages but said her uncle would never return home. Another victim, Adesiyan Adegboye, was reportedly shot dead during the initial abduction.
Meanwhile, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga criticised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for not commenting on the rescue after previously condemning the government over the abduction. In a post on X, Onanuga claimed Atiku had remained silent following the successful operation. He, however, acknowledged Peter Obi for calling for thanksgiving after the victims regained their freedom.
The rescued pupils and teachers are receiving treatment at the Nigerian Army's 2 Division Hospital in Ibadan. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who visited them, said they were responding well to treatment and that arrangements were being made for family members to reunite with them as part of their recovery.
Makinde commended the military and other security agencies for the successful operation and said the state government would continue to provide medical and psychological support before formally taking custody of the victims from the military. He added that security operations in the area would continue as authorities pursue the remaining members of the kidnapping network.
