By Peace Udugba
The Presidency has released additional details of the security operation that secured the freedom of 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
In a post on his verified X handle on Friday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while several others were killed.
“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,” Onanuga wrote.
He also revealed that the Federal Government rejected the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a detained terrorist kingpin in exchange for the captives.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists—a kingpin—whose release the kidnappers demanded, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give a full account soon,” he added.
According to the Presidency, the security agencies refused to negotiate the release of the detained gang leader, who remains in custody and is facing prosecution for terrorism-related offences.
The victims were abducted on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The attack claimed the life of one teacher, while another was later murdered by the abductors in a video that circulated online, sparking nationwide outrage.
The 46 victims spent nearly eight weeks in captivity before security forces carried out the successful rescue operation.
The Presidency said the relevant security agencies would provide a comprehensive briefing on the operation in the coming days.
Following their release, some of the rescued pupils and teachers appeared in a video expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their freedom.
The Oyo State Government is expected to provide medical examinations, trauma counselling and reintegration support for the victims before they return to school.
Meanwhile, security operatives have intensified patrols across border communities in Oyo State and neighbouring states as efforts continue to dismantle criminal networks linked to the abduction.
