The Presidency has announced that security operatives neutralised some of the kidnappers responsible for the abduction of pupils and teachers of Oriire schools in Oyo State, while eight others were arrested during an operation that secured the victims’ freedom after 56 days in captivity.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement shared via his official X account on Friday.
According to the Presidency, the coordinated rescue operation was carried out without conceding to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of an alleged terrorist kingpin currently facing prosecution.
“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, that the kidnappers demanded his release, is being prosecuted for his atrocities,” Onanuga stated.
The Presidency added that the Department of State Services (DSS) has taken custody of the eight suspects arrested during the operation, while security agencies will provide a detailed account of the rescue in due course.
The successful operation secured the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, bringing an end to their 56-day captivity and marking a significant breakthrough in efforts to tackle kidnapping and terrorism in the country.