By George Ozalla
The Federal Government has confirmed the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, ending 56 days of captivity and anxiety for their families and communities.
The victims were taken on May 15 when armed terrorists attacked schools in the area. They regained their freedom after what officials described as a coordinated operation involving the Nigerian Army and other security agencies. Their release has brought relief to parents, guardians and residents who had waited in fear for weeks.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the development in a statement and described it as a major step in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes. He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the security agencies for their professionalism and restraint in securing the release of the victims without putting their lives at further risk.
According to the Presidency, the rescue was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army working with the Office of the National Security Adviser, 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, Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters. Officials said the joint effort showed the value of cooperation among security agencies and the government’s determination to tackle insecurity.
The Army said weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance and tactical planning helped tighten pressure on the abductors and created the opening for the rescue. Some suspected terrorists were arrested during the operation, while others were killed in the encounter. Officials said the mission was carried out carefully to ensure the safety of the pupils and teachers.
President Tinubu commended the resilience of the rescued victims and their families, saying their patience had been tested under difficult conditions. He also thanked the military, intelligence agencies and local security groups for their role in the operation.
He said the rescue showed the growing effectiveness of joint security operations against criminal groups in different parts of the country. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerian children can go to school in safety and without fear.
The Army said the operation was planned to protect the captives and prevent the terrorists from escaping with them or causing further harm. It added that the rescue was made possible by intelligence gathered over several weeks of monitoring and field operations.
The Presidency said the Federal Government remains determined to dismantle terrorist networks and criminal gangs threatening peace in the country. It urged Nigerians to continue providing security agencies with timely and useful information to help prevent future attacks.
Residents of Ogbomoso and nearby communities welcomed the return of the pupils and teachers with joy and relief after nearly two months of worry and prayers. Families and well-wishers thanked the security agencies for bringing the victims home safely and said the rescue had restored hope.
