The Nigerian Army has revealed that sustained intelligence-led operations and the dismantling of a terrorist network led to the unconditional release of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims were kidnapped on May 15 when armed terrorists attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community High School in Ahoro-Esinele, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esinele.
Initially, 46 people—comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers—were abducted during the coordinated attacks. However, one teacher, Adegboye Adesiyan, was killed during the invasion, while another, Michael Oyedokun, died in captivity, leaving 44 survivors who were eventually freed.
The rescued victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity following what authorities described as a month-long intelligence-driven operation coordinated by multiple security agencies.
President Bola Tinubu praised the security personnel for what he described as heroic efforts, disclosing that several terrorists were neutralised while eight suspects were arrested during the operation. The President also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care and other relief support for the rescued pupils and teachers.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also commended the security agencies for the successful rescue, stressing that no ransom was paid to secure the victims’ freedom.
Army Details Rescue Operation
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Ibadan, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, the Army said the successful operation followed weeks of coordinated efforts aimed at dismantling the terrorist group’s leadership, logistics structure and informant network.
According to the statement, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the National Intelligence Agency, the Department of State Services, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, Defence Headquarters, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.
The Army said security operatives focused on identifying and dismantling the criminal network responsible for the abduction, including its hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park forest.
Danjuma disclosed that several arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country, significantly weakening the terrorist group’s operations.
“The arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement said.
He added that the operation was carefully executed to ensure the safe recovery of the hostages while minimising collateral damage, although security forces suffered casualties during the mission. The Army did not disclose the number or identities of those affected.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before they are reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.
The Army also assured Nigerians that follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the terrorist network and dismantle any remaining cells linked to the abduction.
