The Nigerian Army has given reasons why drones deployed during the rescue operation for abducted pupils, teachers and other victims in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State were unable to effectively track the kidnappers.
Speaking during the formal handover of the rescued victims to the Oyo State Government, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, said the operation was particularly difficult due to the challenging terrain within the forest where the victims were held.
The GOC disclosed that after the initial operation, troops continued to pursue the abductors using intelligence and advanced surveillance technology. However, the kidnappers had moved deeper into the dense forest, making it increasingly difficult to locate them. 
According to him, the military deployed drones and other technological assets to support the search, but the thick forest canopy significantly reduced the effectiveness of aerial surveillance.
He explained that the dense vegetation concealed the kidnappers beneath the trees, preventing drones from detecting their exact location.
Despite the setback, the GOC said troops maintained sustained pressure on the abductors through coordinated intelligence-driven operations, which eventually forced a breakthrough that led to the successful rescue of the victims.
He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to working with other security agencies to combat kidnapping and restore safety across Oyo State and the country.
