Nigeria's military has announced the rescue of all 44 pupils and teachers abducted two months ago from schools in the southern state of Oyo, and the arrest of some of their captors.

A local teachers' union expressed relief to the BBC, but families described the ordeal as harrowing and are still waiting to be reunited with their loved ones. The military acknowledged that several soldiers died in the rescue mission.

The freed captives are receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital and will return home later, according to army spokesman Danjuma Jonah Danjuma.

The abduction occurred on May 15 from three schools in Osiire district: Baptist Nursery and Primary School, LA Primary School, and Community Grammar School. Victims are believed to be aged between 2 and 18.

Teachers' union leader Hassan Ajibola welcomed the safe return but urged authorities to fully implement security measures under the Safe School Initiative, including deploying security personnel, CCTV, patrols, and fencing.

The month-long operation involved the military, police, intelligence agencies, and local vigilante groups. The army said it dismantled the kidnappers' support network, including hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park forest.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk