More than 40 kidnapped children and teachers freed after Nigerian army operation

Speaking to the BBC, Hassan Ajibola, who leads the Teachers' Union in Oyo State, said he was "happy and elated" and felt huge "joy", but urged the authorities to fully implement stronger security measures as outlined in their Safe School Initiative that was launched over a decade ago following the infamous Chibok schoolgirls' abduction.

The army said the month-long rescue operation involved the military, police, intelligence agencies and local vigilante groups.

He added measures should include deploying security personnel to schools, CCTV, regular patrols, fencing school premises and using local security groups to support areas facing shortages of personnel.