The Nigerian Army has highlighted the soldiers and security personnel who carried out the successful operation that secured the release of 44 abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, following a month-long intelligence-led mission against the kidnappers.

According to the Army, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force, alongside the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters.

The military disclosed that the operation focused on dismantling the kidnappers’ command structure, logistics network, informants, and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other locations. It said multiple arrests across Oyo State and other parts of the country disrupted the syndicate, forcing the kidnappers to unconditionally release the victims.

Military authorities also revealed that some security personnel lost their lives during the carefully coordinated operation, which was designed to rescue the hostages without causing collateral damage. The rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.

Major General Nnebeife commended the professionalism and cooperation of all participating security agencies, describing the mission as a demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence sharing and joint operations in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes. He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, and other stakeholders for their support throughout the operation.