UPDATED: DSS Arrests Eight Suspected Kidnappers, Neutralises Others in Oyo School Abduction; Presidency Rules Out Prisoner Swap
The Presidency has disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been arrested, while several others were neutralised during a rescue operation that ended the victims’ 56-day ordeal in captivity.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, announced the development on Friday, stating that the suspects are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). He added that security agencies would soon provide a comprehensive account of the operation that led to the victims’ release.
According to Onanuga, the rescue mission did not involve the release of any detained terrorist or any concession by the Federal Government, contrary to speculations that emerged during the victims’ captivity.
He revealed that one of the terrorist kingpins whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is currently facing prosecution for terrorism-related offences.
“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,” Onanuga stated.
The victims, comprising 39 pupils and seven teachers, were abducted on May 15 when dozens of armed men, some reportedly dressed in military uniforms and riding motorcycles, launched coordinated attacks on Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The attack claimed the life of a teacher during the invasion, while another teacher, identified as Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded in captivity, sparking outrage across the country. The incident also triggered protests and an indefinite strike by the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Oyo State.
Earlier reports had indicated that the kidnappers demanded the release of two suspected terrorist commanders as a condition for freeing the victims. However, the Presidency maintained that no prisoner exchange or ransom arrangement formed part of the successful rescue operation.
The Federal Government had deployed additional security personnel and intelligence assets to secure the release of the victims, while troops and security operatives intensified operations to block the escape routes of the abductors.
With all the victims now freed, attention has shifted to the ongoing investigation and prosecution of those behind one of Nigeria’s most disturbing school abduction incidents in recent months.
