The 2 Division of the Nigerian Army has confirmed that the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State are undergoing medical treatment at a private facility. They are expected to be transferred to the Oyo State government for reunification with their families shortly. This update was provided by Lt-Col Danjuma Jonah, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, in Ibadan.
The successful rescue mission was orchestrated by Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, GOC of the 2 Division. It involved a collaborative effort between the National Counter Terrorism Center, Defence Headquarters, and various military and police branches. Additional support was provided by the DSS, NIA, Civil Defence, local hunters, vigilantes, and the Amotekun corps.
The victims, who were kidnapped on May 15 in the Oriire Local Government Area, were recovered without any harm to themselves, though security forces did sustain some casualties. The operation, spanning over a month, targeted terrorist networks within the Old Oyo National Park Forest. Authorities conducted widespread arrests across several states to destabilize the criminal group, which ultimately forced them to surrender the captives. The GOC expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, and various national security leaders for their strategic guidance and cooperation during the mission.
