Security Forces Pressure Bandits, Rescue Oyo Kidnap Victims

The Nigerian Army announced that pressure exerted on the families of bandits led to the release of 46 school children and a teacher who were kidnapped in Oyo State. The operation, which took place on a Saturday, was coordinated by Lt.

Col. Danjuma Jonah, spokesperson for the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army in Ibadan.

It followed sustained intelligence-led joint security operations targeting the kidnapping network's hideouts in Oyo National Park. The operation involved multiple agencies, including the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local vigilante group Amotekun.

The coordinated efforts resulted in several arrests and the dismantling of the kidnapping network. Casualties were reported among security forces, but details were not disclosed.

The rescued victims received medical attention at an undisclosed hospital and will be reunited with their families. The Oyo State government had previously imposed a curfew to prevent bandits from relocating victims.