Eight suspected kidnappers have been arrested and several others killed during the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State, with the Presidency insisting no ransom or prisoner swap was made to secure their freedom, according to statements by the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy and Tribune Online.
The Federal Government has disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been arrested, while several others were killed during the operation that secured the victims’ freedom.
The development was announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a follow-up post on his verified X handle on Friday, shortly after confirming the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers. Tribune Online reported that the operation ended the ordeal of victims seized when armed men attacked schools and surrounding communities, triggering widespread fear across the area.
Providing fresh details, Onanuga said the eight arrested suspects are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while other members of the gang were neutralised during the rescue mission.
“Updated: 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,” he wrote.
The presidential aide also dismissed reports suggesting the Federal Government negotiated with the kidnappers or agreed to release a detained terror suspect in exchange for the victims.
“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. The security agencies will give full account soon,” Onanuga stated.
He added that security agencies would provide a comprehensive briefing on the rescue operation in due course.
The latest update provides further insight into the operation that led to the release of the abducted pupils and teachers, while authorities continue investigations into the attack and the suspects remain in DSS custody awaiting further action.
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