The Nigerian government announced on Friday that students abducted in May by Muslim militants in the southwestern Oyo state have been rescued. Government spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the rescue but did not specify the total number of students freed, though authorities had previously reported that more than 40 people were taken during the abduction on May 15.
Details of the Abduction and Rescue Operation
The abduction occurred on May 15 in Oyo state, marking a significant escalation of Nigeria's security crisis, as most previous mass kidnappings had been concentrated in the northern regions. One of the teachers abducted alongside the students was killed shortly after the kidnapping. As part of the rescue operation, eight militants were arrested, according to Onanuga.
Presidential Statement and National Relief
President Bola Tinubu issued a statement praising the successful military operation. “This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular,” Tinubu said. The rescue brought an end to a more than 50-day ordeal for the victims and their families.
