Morganable News/Security&Justice
According to the Army, the primary focus of the mission was not only to secure the release of the abducted victims but also to dismantle the operational structure of the terrorist group responsible for the attack
kaNo —
The Nigerian Army has announced the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, bringing to an end 56 days of captivity that had gripped the state and drawn national attention.
The victims, numbering 44 according to military authorities, were freed following a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation involving multiple security agencies and local support groups.
The operation, which lasted over a month, targeted the kidnappers’ network, hideouts, and informants operating within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations across the country.
He explained that the troops worked in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, including the National Counter Terrorism Centre, as well as personnel from the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the National Intelligence Agency.
Local security outfits such as the Amotekun Corps, vigilantes, and hunters also played critical roles in the operation.
According to the Army, the primary focus of the mission was not only to secure the release of the abducted victims but also to dismantle the operational structure of the terrorist group responsible for the attack.
This included identifying key kingpins, disrupting logistics and communication channels, and tracking down informants who aided the kidnappers.
“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, busting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest,” the statement read.
Military authorities disclosed that several arrests were made during the course of the operation in Oyo and other states, significantly weakening the group’s capacity to operate.
The sustained pressure, they said, ultimately forced the terrorists to release the victims unconditionally.
“These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the Army added
Army Confirms Casualty During Rescue Operation
While the rescue was largely successful, the Army confirmed that there were casualties among security personnel involved in the mission, although details were not disclosed.
It stressed, however, that the operation was carefully executed to ensure the safety of the victims and to avoid collateral damage.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.
Authorities said they would be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families after undergoing necessary medical and psychological evaluations.
According to earlier reports, 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken during the attack, which left the assistant headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, dead while attempting to escape.
Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the terrorists while in captivity, further heightening public outrage and anxiety over the incident.
A discrepancy remains regarding the number of victims. While the Army confirmed the rescue of 44 individuals, earlier accounts indicated that 46 people were abducted.
It is unclear whether the figure provided by the Army excludes the two teachers who were killed during the incident.
He added that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several others were neutralised by security operatives.
Onanuga also revealed that the Federal Government did not meet the kidnappers’ demands, which reportedly included the release of a Boko Haram kingpin facing trial for terrorism-related offences.
President Tinubu Confirms Victims Release
In a separate message, Bola Ahmed Tinubu confirmed that the victims were freed alive and unharmed, emphasising that no ransom was paid and no concessions were made to the terrorists.
The President expressed relief over the outcome of the operation and pledged that justice would be pursued for the victims, particularly for the slain teacher, Michael Oyedokun.
He also directed emergency response agencies to collaborate with the Oyo State Government in providing medical care and other forms of support to the rescued individuals.
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, speaking on behalf of participating agencies, commended President Tinubu for what he described as strategic guidance and support that contributed to the success of the mission.
He also acknowledged the roles played by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff, along with other service chiefs and heads of security agencies.
The Army further expressed appreciation to media organisations and members of the public for their cooperation and support throughout the period of the operation.
It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible information that could assist ongoing security efforts.
Communities Jubilate, Express Gratitude
Following news of the rescue, residents of the Ogbomoso area and surrounding communities reportedly took to the streets in celebration, expressing relief and gratitude over the safe return of the victims.
Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement, welcomed the development but called on the Federal Government to take more decisive steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The successful operation marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to combat kidnapping and insurgency, particularly in regions previously considered relatively secure.
However, sustained intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, and community engagement will be critical to preventing future attacks and ensuring lasting security.
