Photos: Meet soldiers who rescued Oyo kidnap victims

Nigerian security forces have rescued 44 abducted pupils and teachers following a month-long, intelligence-driven offensive that crippled the terrorist syndicate responsible for the kidnapping. The operation successfully dismantled the group's leadership, logistics network, informants, and forest hideouts, leading to the unconditional release of the hostages. This breakthrough was the result of a meticulously coordinated multi-agency effort.

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The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, busting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State.

The operation was spearheaded by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife. It involved close collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, and special forces units from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), alongside local vigilantes, hunters, and members of the Amotekun Corps, also participated.

The victims were initially kidnapped by terrorists from the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026. Security authorities described the subsequent operation as extensive and intelligence-driven, designed not only to secure the hostages' freedom but also to dismantle the criminal network behind the abduction. The focus was on identifying and neutralizing the kingpins, their support systems, and their bases within the Old Oyo National Park Forest and other locations.

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

According to a statement from the Nigerian Army, the operation led to multiple arrests across the state and country, significantly disrupting the syndicate's command structure and operational capabilities. These arrests created overwhelming pressure on the group, compelling them to release the hostages. Further operations are planned to ensure the complete eradication of such threats. Military authorities emphasized that the operation was carefully planned to ensure the safe rescue of hostages while minimizing collateral damage, though some security personnel made the ultimate sacrifice during the mission.

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It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and