Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Nigerian Army on Friday said that the nation lost some security operatives in the one- month long well coordinated security operation that led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Army said that while the mission succeeded in securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, there were casualties among security personnel involved in the operation.
However the service did not mention the figure and the agencies of those who paid the supreme price
The Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said in a statement statement on Friday that the victims, who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on July 10 following what it described as an intelligence-led operation targeting the group responsible for the abduction.
The operation was led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, and involved personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun operatives.
The Army said the operation lasted for more than a month and focused on identifying those behind the kidnapping, dismantling their network and disrupting their logistics and support structures, including informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park forest.
It stated that several arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country during the operation.
“As part of the operations, 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,” the statement said.
The Army noted that the operation was carefully planned and executed to ensure the safe recovery of the victims and to prevent collateral damage.
It added that while the mission succeeded in securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, there were casualties among security personnel involved in the operation.
He said rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and would be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The Army also thanked the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, security agencies, local security groups, media organisations and members of the public for their support during the operation, while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies.
