Security forces arrested eight suspected kidnappers and neutralised several others during a coordinated operation that led to the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, President Bola Tinubu has disclosed.

The victims, who had spent 56 days in captivity after their abduction by gunmen, regained their freedom on Friday following what the Presidency described as a military, police and intelligence-driven operation.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for their efforts.

The President said the operatives worked round the clock to secure the release of the victims without any collateral damage.

According to the President, the operation not only secured the safe rescue of the children and their teachers but also resulted in the arrest of eight members of the kidnapping gang, while several other suspects were neutralised during the mission.

"I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them," Tinubu said.

He noted that the successful operation ended more than 50 days of anxiety for the victims, their families and the nation.

"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," the President added.

Tinubu expressed gratitude to officers and men of the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and the police for ensuring the safe rescue of the victims, describing their efforts as heroic.

He also vowed that his administration would ensure justice for the rescued pupils and teachers as well as for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who was murdered by the kidnappers during the period of captivity.

"My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered," he stated.

The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the rescue efforts and urged the state authorities to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.

He also directed relevant emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government in providing immediate medical care, trauma counselling and other relief support for the rescued children and teachers as they recover from their ordeal.

The rescue brings to an end weeks of uncertainty over the fate of the victims and marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.