The Nigerian Army has explained how security forces secured the release of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying a month-long intelligence-led operation dismantled the kidnappers’ network and forced the terrorists to free the captives.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, troops led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, carried out the operation alongside personnel from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.

The Army said the operation, which lasted for more than a month, targeted the terrorist kingpins behind the May 15 abduction, their logistics network, informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park and other locations.

It disclosed that multiple suspects were arrested in Oyo and other states, disrupting the group’s operations and mounting pressure that led to the unconditional release of the victims.

The military added that the rescue mission was carefully executed to ensure the pupils and teachers were freed without collateral damage, although some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation.

The rescued victims are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.

The Army also thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu and other security agencies for their support.

The victims were abducted on May 15 after gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire LGA. During the attack, assistant headmaster Joel Adesiyan was killed, while teacher Michael Oyedokun was later murdered in captivity.

The Army said 44 victims were rescued, although earlier official accounts indicated that 46 people, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were abducted. It remains unclear whether the Army’s figure excludes the two teachers who lost their lives.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga later confirmed that all surviving victims had been rescued, revealing that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are in DSS custody, while several others were neutralised.

President Tinubu also announced that the hostages were rescued alive without the payment of ransom or any concession to the terrorists. He directed emergency agencies to provide medical care and relief for the rescued victims.