‎* ‘We have reason to give thanks,’ says Tinubu

‎By Teddy Nwanunobi

‎After 56 days in captivity, troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General CR Nnebeife, secured the release of the 44 pupils and teachers that were kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.

‎The “well coordinated operation” was “in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) specifically the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy the Air Force and the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies, as well as local vigilantes/hunters/Amotekuns.”

‎According to a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel, Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the pupils and teachers will be reunited with their families after receiving medical attention.

‎”The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorists’ kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, bursting, and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State.

‎”As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states in the country. These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them, and ultimately led the terrorist 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 pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital, and will be handed over to the Oyo State Government in due course so as to be reunited with their families,” the statement read.

‎The GOC thanked President Bola Tinubu “for the strategic guidance, support, and for all the provisions that made the operations a huge success.”

‎Nnebeife also thanked the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, and the people of the state “for their (continuous) support to security agencies especially during the trying period.”

‎He also appreciated the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Hon Minster of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and other service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the directors general of the Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA), as well as the heads of other security agencies “for their support, and for the opportunity to relate directly with all the security agencies to ensure a seamless coordination and execution of the operations.”

‎The army thanked the various media houses and indeed the entire Nigeria populace for their support,  understanding, and for having faith in the security architecture of the nation.

‎”We urge all to remain vigilant, and continue to support all security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in the ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and properties across Nigeria,”the statement added.

‎Reacting to the rescue operation, President Bola Tinubu said that Nigeria has a reason to be thankful.

‎Tinubu, in a post on his Facebook Page, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warned terrorists that his administration would continue to pursue them and protect Nigerians from insecurity.

‎”Tonight, our nation has reason to give thanks.

‎”The children and teachers abducted by Ansaru terrorists in Oyo State have been rescued by our security forces, alive and unharmed. No ransom was paid. No concession was made.

‎”I salute every officer and operative whose courage, discipline, and professionalism made this possible.

‎”To those who seek to spread fear through terror, know that the Nigerian state will pursue you relentlessly. We will protect our people, defend our communities, and never relent until peace and security prevail across our country,” he warned.