The Nigerian Army has revealed that the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State followed a month-long intelligence-driven operation that dismantled the kidnappers' network across Oyo State and other parts of the country.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Army said the victims regained their freedom on July 10 after a coordinated operation led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife, with support from multiple security and intelligence agencies.
According to the Army, the operation involved the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from 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 personnel.
The Army said the operation focused on tracking the terrorist leaders behind the May 15 abduction, dismantling their logistics network and identifying informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.
It stated that "multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states in the country," adding that the arrests "completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers."
The statement added that further operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network.
The Army said the rescue mission was "carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued."
It, however, disclosed that there were casualties among security personnel during the operation, although no further details were provided.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The GOC, on behalf of all participating agencies, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support throughout the operation.
"He wishes to... sincerely and respectfully thank and appreciate His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces... for the strategic guidance, support and for all the provisions that made the operations a huge success," the statement said.
The Army also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and residents of the state for their support during the rescue efforts.
"The GOC also wishes to once again thank the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde and indeed the good people of the State for their continuous support to security agencies especially during the trying period," it added.
The statement further acknowledged the contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, and other participating security agencies for ensuring seamless coordination throughout the operation.
The Army also thanked media organisations and Nigerians for their patience and confidence in the country's security architecture.
"We urge all to remain vigilant and continue to support all security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in the ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties across Nigeria," the statement said.
