Key facts
- Nigerian military rescued 44 kidnapped children and teachers from Oyo state.
- The abductions occurred two months prior from three schools.
- The rescue operation involved military, police, intelligence agencies, and local vigilantes.
- Some soldiers died during the operation.
- Several suspects have been arrested.
Nigeria's military announced on Friday evening that it has freed all 44 pupils and teachers who were abducted two months ago from schools in the southern state of Oyo. The captives are currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital and will return home later, according to army spokesman Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.
The military stated that the month-long rescue operation involved the military, police, intelligence agencies, and local vigilante groups. They identified those behind the abduction, dismantled their support network, including informants and hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park forest. The army acknowledged that some of its personnel were killed during the operation and announced the arrest of a number of suspects, with more operations planned.
The abductions, which occurred on May 15 from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, LA Primary School, and Community Grammar School in the Osiire district, have highlighted Nigeria's ongoing struggle with insecurity and a renewed wave of mass kidnappings. While the government claims to be increasing security around schools, critics argue it is insufficient. The scale of the Oyo abductions and their occurrence in the predominantly Christian southwest have caused particular concern.
Families described the ordeal as harrowing, with Professor Wole Alamu expressing relief that his wife, Rachael Folawe Alamu, the headteacher of Community Grammar School, and others were freed. Hassan Ajibola, leader of the Teachers' Union in Oyo State, conveyed joy but urged for the full implementation of the Safe School Initiative, which includes deploying security personnel, CCTV, patrols, and fencing school premises.