Army Reveals How Troops Freed Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers After Weeks In Captivity
The Nigerian Army has disclosed details of the military operation that led to the rescue of dozens of pupils and teachers kidnapped from schools in Oyo State, describing the mission as a carefully coordinated assault that ended more than seven weeks of captivity for the victims.
According to the Army, the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance and tactical planning before troops moved into identified hideouts used by the kidnappers within parts of the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding forests.
Military authorities said special forces, working alongside other security agencies, carried out the rescue mission after tracking the movements of the abductors and identifying the locations where the victims were being held.
The troops reportedly launched a series of targeted operations that resulted in fierce exchanges with the kidnappers. During the operation, several members of the criminal gang were neutralised, while eight suspects were arrested and taken into custody for further investigation.
The Army stated that the operation was carefully executed to avoid casualties among the hostages, many of whom were schoolchildren. Security personnel were instructed to prioritise the safety of the victims throughout the rescue exercise.
The victims, made up of 39 pupils, six teachers and other abductees, were safely recovered after spending more than 50 days in captivity following their abduction from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.
Military officials said the rescue brought an end to weeks of intensive search operations involving ground troops, intelligence units and other security agencies working together to locate the kidnappers’ camps.
The Army also confirmed that the operation was completed without yielding to the kidnappers’ demands, despite reports that the criminals had sought concessions during the period of captivity.
Following the successful rescue, the victims were taken to a secure location where they received medical attention, psychological support and preliminary debriefing before being reunited with their families.
Military authorities praised the professionalism of the troops involved in the mission, describing the operation as another demonstration of the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting lives and tackling kidnapping across the country.
The Army assured Nigerians that operations against criminal groups would continue across different parts of the country, stressing that security agencies remain determined to dismantle kidnapping networks and ensure that those responsible for attacks on schools and communities are brought to justice.