Dozens of students and teachers abducted nearly two months ago by armed militants in Nigeria's southwestern Oyo State have been rescued in a joint security operation, authorities said.

Nigerian presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed in a social media statement that all the students and teachers kidnapped from the Oriire community had regained their freedom following a rescue operation carried out by multiple security agencies.

The mass abduction took place on May 15 when armed men attacked three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State.

Local media reported that 46 people were abducted, including 39 students and seven teachers. One of the kidnapped teachers was later killed while in captivity.

Nigerian authorities identified the attackers as displaced members of the Boko Haram militant group.

Defence Minister Christopher Musa said the militants had demanded the release of several detained commanders in exchange for the hostages. The Nigerian government publicly rejected the demand.

Authorities have not disclosed further details about the rescue operation or whether any suspects were arrested. (ILKHA)