How Oyo kidnapped victims were rescued, by Nigerian Army

By Ola Taiwo

The Nigerian Army has disclosed how the Oyo state kidnapped victims were rescued.

The Army in a statement said the rescue was facilitated by multiple actions that constituted persistent pressure on the kidnappers.

The statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma

 disclosed that sustained military operations, intelligence gathering and a series of strategic arrests across Oyo State and other parts of the country forced terrorists to release the victims..

The released victims who are 44 in number and who include pupils and teacher in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State were kidnapped on May 15, before they regained their freedom on Friday, July 10.

The Army said the rescue operation targeted the masterminds of the abduction, their logistics network, informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park.

The statement explained that troops of the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, worked alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun personnel.

The Army said the sustained pressure on the criminal network eventually compelled the terrorists to free their captives without conditions.

“As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states in the country. These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted,” the statement reads

The Army explained that the rescue mission was carefully planned to ensure the safety of the victims while avoiding collateral damage.

It, however, acknowledged that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation.

The rescued teachers and pupils are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before they are reunited with their families through the Oyo State Government.

The military expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic direction and support for the operation, while thanking Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Service Chiefs, heads of security agencies, local security volunteers and the public for their cooperation throughout the mission.

The Army urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen ongoing efforts against criminal groups across the country.