An operation which lasted over a month eventually paid off yesterday with victims of the now publicised Oyo kidnap victims regaining their freedom.
The abductors had kidnapped them from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, triggering national and international anxiety.
This worsened when one of the teachers was eventually beheaded.
According to the Nigerian Army, focused on identifying and dismantling the terrorists by targeting their kingpins, logistics network, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
These were revealed in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State,” the statement said.
The operation recorded multiple arrests in the state and several other parts of the country, significantly disrupting the syndicate’s command structure and operational capabilities.
“These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers.
“Further operations are to be conducted,” the statement added.
According to the military authorities, the operation was deliberately planned and executed to ensure the safe rescue of the hostages while avoiding collateral damage, although some members of the security forces paid the ultimate price during the mission.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the Army stated.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
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Describing the operation as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-led and inter-agency collaboration, Major General Nnebeife commended the professionalism and commitment of all participating security agencies.
“This operation demonstrates what can be achieved through seamless intelligence sharing, joint planning and coordinated execution.“
“Beyond securing the release of the victims, our objective was to dismantle the criminal infrastructure that enabled the kidnapping and prevent similar attacks,” the GOC said.
With additional reporting, pictures from Vanguard
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