The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General, Chinedu Ralph-Nnebeife on Monday, recounted the recent rescue operation leading to release of 44 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in May by kidnappers in Oyo State.
Penpushing reports that Ralph-Nnebeife speaking at the handing over of the rescued victims to Oyo State Government recalled that the troops alongside other security operatives earlier encountered enormous operational challenges because of the difficult terrain of the forest.
The Army boss said the dense forest canopy prevented drones and surveillance aircraft from effectively locating the kidnappers, forcing security forces to rely largely on painstaking ground operations.
“We deployed drones and the Air Force conducted surveillance flights, but because of the density of the forest, sunlight could hardly penetrate some areas. The operation therefore became a ground operation deep inside the forest’, he added
Penpushing further reports that Ralph-Nnebeife explained that security agencies refused to negotiate with the kidnappers despite sustained pressure, rather, the military expanded the operation by deploying special forces and coordinating with the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, SSS, National Intelligence Agency, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, hunters and local vigilantes.
The Major General added that the coordinated operation, involved blocking escape routes including in Kwara State, dismantling the kidnappers’ logistics network and identifying those providing intelligence and support to the criminal gang.
The senior military officer said security agencies refused to negotiate with the kidnappers despite sustained pressure, stating that sustained military pressure eventually forced the kidnappers to release the victims.
“We have always maintained that we will never yield to terrorists’ wishes, and we will never do that. The operation went beyond rescuing the victims. It focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins, dismantling their network and cutting off their logistics. We are not giving up on them. It is not over. We must see the end of terrorists operating in that region,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that Ralph-Nnebeife, however, acknowledged the sacrifices made by security personnel, lamenting that an officer and a soldier were killed during the operation while several others sustained injuries.
The General Officer Commanding disclosed that one of the fallen officers was buried on the same day the rescue operation recorded a major breakthrough, while he equally dismissed suggestions that the Oyo State Government was indifferent.
Penpushing reports that he commended President Bola Tinubu, National Security Adviser, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of Department of State Security (DSS) and Governor Makinde for supporting the lengthy operation.
“Contrary to what some reports suggested, the governor kept calling to know what was happening. He was deeply involved throughout the operation’, Ralph-Nnebeife emphaised
Penpushing further reports that he admitted that the outcome of weeks of coordinated intelligence gathering and joint operations involving the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Air Force, Amotekun Corps, local hunters and vigilantes contributed to the rescue of the victims.
The handover event, was held at the Oyo State Government House in Ibadan, and brought together Governor Makinde, Commissioners, Senior Military Commanders, Police, State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies.
Penpushing also reports that it would be recalled that the victims were abducted on May,15, 2026 when bandits attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area– Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele; Primary School, Esiele; and Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota – triggering widespread outrage and forcing teachers across Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike.
Meanwhile, the terrorists attack, however, came at a heavy cost following deaths of two teachers and security personnel, who were honoured at the event for a minute silence in their memory
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