How Security Forces Secured Release Of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers Without Ransom
Army Explains Intelligence-Led Operation Behind Rescue of Oyo School Kidnap Victims
44 Victims Regain Freedom After 56 Days
THE Nigerian Army has revealed how a coordinated intelligence-led security operation resulted in the unconditional release of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, bringing an end to nearly two months of captivity.
The victims regained their freedom after spending 56 days in the custody of their abductors following a carefully coordinated operation involving multiple security and intelligence agencies.
The rescue followed the 15th May attack on Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele, where armed terrorists abducted 46 people, including 39 pupils and seven teachers.
Two teachers—Adegboye Adesiyan, who was killed during the attack, and Michael Oyedokun, who later died in captivity—did not survive the ordeal, reducing the number of those eventually rescued to 44.
Security Agencies Targeted Terrorist Network
The Army said the successful operation was driven by sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated action against the criminal network responsible for the abduction.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Jonah Danjuma, the operation was coordinated by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major-General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, Defence Headquarters, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
According to the Army, security operatives focused on identifying the kidnappers’ leadership structure, logistics network, informants and operational bases within the Old Oyo National Park forest.
Arrests Forced Kidnappers to Release Victims
The Army disclosed that several arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation, significantly disrupting the activities of the terrorist network.
The sustained pressure, it said, weakened the group’s operational capacity and compelled the kidnappers to release the captives without any ransom payment.
Military authorities added that the rescue strategy prioritised the safety of the hostages while minimising collateral damage, although security forces also recorded casualties during the operation. Details of those casualties were not disclosed.
Tinubu, Makinde Commend Security Operatives
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the successful rescue, describing the operation as a demonstration of the professionalism and courage of Nigeria’s security agencies.
The President disclosed that several terrorists were neutralised while eight suspects were arrested during the operation, directing relevant agencies to provide medical care and psychosocial support for the rescued pupils and teachers.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also commended the security agencies, stressing that the victims were released without the payment of ransom.
The Nigerian Army said the rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families, adding that operations will continue to apprehend other members of the criminal network and dismantle any remaining terrorist cells.
