By Olawale Ogunbusola, Ibadan

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

This followed an intelligence-led and well-coordinated operation in the Old Oyo National Park and other parts of the country led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife.

In a statement issued by Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations Officer, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjumah on Friday, the Army said the operation was carried out in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser, specifically the National Counter Terrorism Center, NCTC, the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services, DSS, National Intelligence Agency, NIA, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and other security agencies. Local vigilantes, hunters while Amotekun Corps also participated.

According to the statement, the operation lasted for more than a month and focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the kidnapping, as well as dismantling their networks, logistics links, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.

Recall, the pupils and teachers were kidnapped on May 15, 2026 at Esinele and Yawota Communities in Oriire Local of Oyo State.

The statement added that multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other states across the country, the arrests disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led to the unconditional release of the pupils and teachers.

“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damage and to ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement read.

The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course to be reunited with their families.

Major General Nnebeife, on behalf of all participating agencies, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his strategic guidance and support which made the operation a success.

He also appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their continuous support to security agencies, especially during the trying period.

The GOC further acknowledged the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and the Directors General of DSS and NIA for their support and seamless coordination.

However, he urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to safeguard lives and property across the country.