Follow-up to DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS' earlier reports as military details month-long intelligence operation that forced abductors to release victims.
In a major update to the rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, the Nigerian Army has disclosed how an intensive, intelligence-driven operation involving multiple security agencies led to the successful release of the victims after weeks in captivity.
DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS had earlier reported the successful rescue and the reactions that followed. In its latest briefing, the Nigerian Army revealed that the operation was the result of more than a month of carefully coordinated surveillance, intelligence gathering and tactical operations carried out across Oyo State and other parts of the country.
According to the Army, troops of the 2 Division, led by the General Officer Commanding, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, worked closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre, the Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and the Amotekun Corps to track down the criminal network responsible for the abduction.
The military disclosed that the operations focused on identifying and dismantling the kidnappers' leadership, logistics chain, informants and hideouts, particularly within the Old Oyo National Park forest. Security operatives also carried out coordinated arrests in Oyo State and several other locations across the country, significantly disrupting the activities of the criminal group.
The sustained pressure mounted by the security forces, the Army said, ultimately compelled the abductors to release the pupils and teachers unconditionally, while follow-up operations are continuing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and eliminate the remaining threats.
The Army explained that every stage of the operation was carefully planned to ensure the safety of the victims and minimise collateral damage. It, however, acknowledged that some security personnel made sacrifices during the mission.
The rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at a secure medical facility before they are formally handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The Nigerian Army also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support throughout the operation. It equally commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, as well as other participating security agencies for their cooperation and coordinated efforts.
The Army further thanked Nigerians and media organisations for their patience, understanding and confidence in the nation's security architecture, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information that will support ongoing efforts to combat criminality across the country.
Adeola Kunle
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