The Nigerian Army has disclosed fresh details of the carefully coordinated military operation that led to the rescue of 44 abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, revealing that intelligence-driven operations, sustained surveillance and precision strikes forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives after 56 days in the forest.
The Nigerian Army has lifted the veil on one of its most significant rescue missions this year, detailing how troops successfully secured the freedom of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State after nearly two months in captivity.
Military authorities said the operation was the result of weeks of painstaking intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and coordinated ground offensives involving multiple security agencies, culminating in the safe rescue of the victims without yielding to the kidnappers’ demands.
According to the Army, troops under the 2 Division launched sustained clearance operations across forests linking Oyo and neighbouring states after receiving actionable intelligence on the kidnappers’ movements.
Military commanders said surveillance assets tracked the criminal gang over several weeks before special forces mounted a coordinated operation that overwhelmed the abductors.
The sustained military pressure reportedly forced the kidnappers to flee, allowing troops to safely recover the abducted pupils and teachers after 56 days in captivity.
The rescued victims were immediately evacuated for medical evaluation before arrangements were made for their reunification with their families. Authorities also confirmed that no ransom was paid for their release.
The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on schools in Oriire Local Government Area in May, an incident that shocked the country and prompted large-scale security operations across the South-West.
The rescue operation also led to the arrest of several suspected kidnappers, while other members of the gang were neutralised during follow-up operations, according to the Presidency.
The Army disclosed that the rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical care and psychosocial support before being reunited with their families.
Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks and improving security around schools and vulnerable communities.
The operation marks one of the most successful anti-kidnapping missions in recent months and offers renewed hope to communities grappling with insecurity. As investigations continue, security agencies are expected to intensify efforts to track down the remaining members of the kidnapping syndicate and strengthen measures to prevent similar attacks.