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The Nigerian Army said some security personnel were killed during a month-long operation that led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims, who were kidnapped by terrorists on May 15 from three schools, were freed on July 15 following what the Army described as “intelligence-led carefully planned and executed operations.”
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the operation was led by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General CR Nnebeife.
The Army said while the operation was designed to limit collateral damage, some security personnel made the ultimate sacrifice.
“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists 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 Army said the operation involved special units from “the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) specifically the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy, the Air Force and the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies as well as local vigilantes/hunters/Amotekuns.”
On the outcome, the Army stated, “Multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some States in the Country.
“These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers.”
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Addressing concerns about safety during the rescue, the statement noted, “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 confirmed that the rescued victims “are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course so as to be reunited with their families.”
Major General Nnebeife appreciated President Bola Tinubu, saying, “The GOC 2 Division wish to on behalf of all the participating agencies most sincerely and respectfully thank and appreciate His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the Strategic Guidance, Support and for all the provisions that made the operations a huge success.”
He also thanked “the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde and indeed the good people of the State for their continous support to security agencies especially during the trying period.”
The Army further acknowledged “the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Hon Minster of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police and the Directors General DSS and NIA as well as Heads of other Security Agencies for their support.”
The Army also expressed appreciation to the various media houses and indeed the entire Nigeria populace for their support, understanding and for having faith in the security architecture of the Nation.
“We urge all to remain vigilant and continue to support all security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in the ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties across Nigeria,” the statement further reads.
