The Nigerian Army on Friday disclosed that some security personnel paid the supreme price during the month long operation that led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying the sacrifices made by the troops ensured the victims regained their freedom unharmed.
The Army said the victims were rescued on July 10 after a carefully coordinated intelligence-led operation involving multiple security agencies and local vigilante groups.
General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, who led the operation, said the mission brought together troops of the Nigerian Army, Special Forces from the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, operatives of the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, as well as Amotekun corps, hunters and local vigilantes.
According to him, the operation, which lasted for more than one month, focused on identifying the masterminds of the abduction, dismantling their criminal network and destroying their logistics and intelligence structures operating within the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding forests.
He said the sustained pressure mounted on the kidnappers through coordinated raids and intelligence gathering led to multiple arrests in Oyo State and other parts of the country, forcing the terrorists to release the captives unconditionally.
Nnebeife, however, revealed that the success came at a painful cost.
“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,” he said.
He added that the rescued pupils and teachers were receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.
The GOC commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic direction and the necessary support that made the operation successful.
He also praised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, the Directors General of the DSS and NIA, and heads of participating security agencies for their cooperation throughout the operation.
Nnebeife assured Nigerians that follow up operations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate still at large.
He also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across the country.
