Oyo abduction: IGP reveals why rescue took 56 days

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu says security agencies deliberately moved with caution during the 56-day rescue operation for Oyo schoolchildren to avoid endangering the victims.

Why Oyo Schoolchildren Spent 56 Days in Captivity — IGP

Silence had a purpose, says the IGP. Speaking at a press briefing, per Tribune Online, Olatunji Disu explained why pupils and teachers abducted from two schools in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, spent 56 days in captivity before rescue.

Disu said the terrorists torched a stolen vehicle at the forest entrance, and the remote location — with no phone network and distant police posts — hampered operations. Police, soldiers and vigilantes tracked the abductors on foot, and one officer was killed in the pursuit.

The IGP said updates were withheld deliberately to protect the children, with helicopters from the police and Air Force searching day and night, and late-night strategy meetings held in secret.