Major General Chinedu Nnebeufe of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division has provided insight into the rescue operation of students and staff abducted in Oriire. After reuniting the victims with Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday, the General explained that the criminals were hiding in dense forest terrain that hindered aerial surveillance.
He noted that drones and aircraft were ineffective because the forest canopy completely blocked out sunlight. Consequently, the military shifted to ground-based tactics. During these efforts, two soldiers were killed and several others sustained injuries, including one suffering from a broken arm caused by gunfire. The mission ultimately succeeded through the direct involvement of the National Counter-terrorism unit, facilitated by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
To force the kidnappers into submission, security teams tracked down the relatives and associates of the suspects across several states, including Adamawa and Kano. This strategy effectively increased pressure on the criminal group, leading to the eventual rescue of the hostages.
