The military made the disclosure on Saturday while providing details of the intelligence-led operation that culminated in the rescue of the victims after nearly two months in captivity.
The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15, 2026, and regained their freedom on July 10 following what the military described as a carefully coordinated multi-agency operation.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Danjuma, the operation was spearheaded by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Amotekun Corps, as well as local vigilantes and hunters.
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The military said the operation, which lasted for more than a month, targeted the terrorist network and its logistics chain operating within the Old Oyo National Park and surrounding areas.
“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 statement said.
It noted that multiple arrests made during the operation completely destabilised the group and left the kidnappers with no option but to free the captives.
“The arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the military stated.
The military explained that the operation was meticulously planned and executed to ensure the victims were rescued safely while avoiding collateral damage.
“It suffices to note that the operations were carefully planned and executed to avoid collateral damages and to equally ensure that the innocent children and teachers were safely rescued. However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement added, without disclosing details of the casualties.
According to the military, the rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will subsequently be handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.
The GOC commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing strategic guidance and support throughout the operation and also appreciated Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for backing security agencies in the rescue mission.
He further acknowledged the contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence; the Chief of Defence Staff; the Chief of Army Staff; other service chiefs; the Inspector-General of Police; the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA; and heads of other participating security agencies for ensuring effective coordination.
The military also thanked the media and Nigerians for their support during the operation and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to strengthen ongoing efforts to protect lives and property across the country.
This version adopts the inverted pyramid style used in newspaper reporting by leading with the military’s key revelation, followed by the operation, supporting details, official commendations, and a concluding public appeal.