The Nigerian Army says the 44 pupils and teachers abd¥cted in Oyo State on May 15 were released unconditionally by the terrorists on Friday, July 10.

In a statement, the Army said the rescue operation was led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General CR Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), specifically the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters, Special Forces elements 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), and other security agencies.

According to the statement, the operation, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terr0rist kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their networks and logistics links, as well as tracking down their informants and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park Forest in Oyo State.

The military said multiple arrests were made in Oyo State and other parts of the country.

‘’These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terr0rist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted. 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 read.

The Army added that the rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course to enable them to reunite with their family.