The Nigerian Army has revealed that the 44 pupils and teachers rescued from captivity in Oyo State are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will soon be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

The victims were abducted by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15 and regained their freedom following a sustained security operation involving multiple agencies.

In a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah, said the rescued pupils and teachers were undergoing medical assessment and care before being reunited with their loved ones.

“The pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course so as to be reunited with their families,” he stated.

Jonah said the successful rescue was the outcome of a carefully coordinated intelligence-led operation spearheaded by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife.

According to him, the mission was jointly executed with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), particularly the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, and Special Forces drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigeria Police Force.

Other agencies involved in the operation included the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as well as local vigilante groups, hunters, and members of the Amotekun Corps.

The Army spokesman disclosed that all 44 kidnapped pupils and teachers were rescued without harm, describing the operation as a significant success achieved through meticulous planning and execution.

“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, but there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” Jonah said.

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He explained that the operation, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying and dismantling the terrorist network responsible for the abduction. Security operatives tracked the group's kingpins, informants, logistics channels, and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park forest.

Jonah added that multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and several other states during the operation, a development that significantly weakened the criminal network.

“These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” he said.

The Army also acknowledged the support of key government officials and security institutions that contributed to the success of the mission.

According to Jonah, the GOC commended President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic leadership and the necessary support that facilitated the operation. He also appreciated Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for his cooperation.

The GOC further extended gratitude to 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, and the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, alongside heads of other security agencies, for their collaboration and seamless coordination throughout the operation.

The successful rescue has been widely regarded as a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and terrorism, bringing relief to families and communities that had anxiously awaited the safe return of the victims.