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Nigerian Army Secures Unconditional Release of Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers After Weeks of Operations
The Nigerian Army has announced the unconditional release of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State on May 15, following weeks of coordinated security operations involving multiple security agencies.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Army said the rescue operation was led 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 (ONSA), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Defence Headquarters, and Special Forces drawn from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), alongside other security agencies.
According to the Army, the operation, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist leaders responsible for the abduction and dismantling their operational network, logistics chain, informants, and hideouts within the Old Oyo National Park Forest.
The military disclosed that the operation resulted in the arrest of several suspects in Oyo State and other parts of the country, significantly disrupting the activities of the criminal group.
“These arrests completely disorganized the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement read.
The Army explained that the operation was carefully planned and executed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims while minimizing collateral damage. It, however, acknowledged that some security personnel sustained casualties during the operation.
According to the statement, the rescued pupils and teachers are currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital. They will be handed over to the Oyo State Government after undergoing medical evaluations before being reunited with their families.
The military added that follow-up operations are ongoing to track down and apprehend other members of the criminal network involved in the abduction.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and assured Nigerians that security agencies would continue to intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks across the country.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has called for calm and unity amid the growing crisis within world football’s governing body, insisting that the FIFA presidential election in March 2027 should provide the appropriate platform for members to determine the organisation’s direction.
Speaking in Salzburg around the UEFA Super Cup, Motsepe said the current disagreements should not descend into prolonged internal conflict, urging all sides to respect FIFA’s electoral and governance processes.
Read Also: ‘Africa Must Protect Its Interests’ — CAF’s Lux September Speaks on FIFA Crisis | Sports247 Nigeria
FIFA’s 211 member associations are expected to decide the organisation’s leadership at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027. Current president Gianni Infantino is seeking another term.
Motsepe maintained that the election should allow the various candidates and member associations to make their positions clear through the established democratic process rather than through continued public confrontation.
The CAF president also reiterated his support for Infantino, describing him as a leader who has shown commitment to African football.
“Gianni Infantino has been loyal to Africa and has shown a deep commitment to African development and growth.”
His comments come amid a major dispute over FIFA’s proposed Forward Enterprise, which involved plans for private investment in FIFA competitions and triggered strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and other stakeholders. FIFA eventually abandoned the proposal after widespread criticism over transparency and the consultation process.
Motsepe said the current situation should instead encourage dialogue, cooperation and respect for due process.
Africa’s position could be particularly influential at the election because CAF’s 54 member associations represent the second-largest voting bloc in FIFA, behind UEFA’s 55.
With the FIFA presidential contest approaching, Motsepe’s position keeps CAF firmly aligned behind Infantino while other confederations continue to demand changes in FIFA’s leadership and governance.
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