Oyo School Kidnapping: Eight suspects arrested, others killed during rescue operation — Presidency

The Presidency has revealed that security operatives arrested eight suspected kidnappers and neutralized several others during an operation that led to the rescue of kidnapped students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of ​​Oyo State.

The latest information was provided on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a follow-up statement posted on his verified X account, shortly after confirming that the victims had regained their freedom.

According to Onanuga, the operation was carried out without fulfilling the demands of the kidnappers who reportedly pressed for the release of one of their leaders as a condition for the release of the captives.

He stressed that the alleged kingpin remains in custody and faces charges for terrorism-related offences.

He wrote, “Updated: during the rescue operation, eight kidnappers were captured and are now in DSS custody, while some of them have been neutralized.

“There is no reward whatsoever in this rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, whom the kidnappers demanded to be released, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will provide a full explanation soon.”

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The presidency stated that the success of the operation was achieved without negotiating the release of the detained suspects, and rejected the notion that any concessions were made to the kidnappers.

Onanuga also revealed that security agencies will in due course provide a detailed explanation of how the rescue mission was carried out and the circumstances surrounding the arrest and neutralization of the suspects.

The students and their teachers have been held hostage for several weeks after gunmen attacked three schools in Esiele and Yawota communities in Orire Local Government Area on May 15.

The incident sparked national outrage after the assailants killed a teacher in the attack and later released a video showing the beheading of another victim while the captives were still in custody.

The successful rescue marks the end of weeks of uncertainty for the affected families and communities, and further details regarding the security operation are expected to be forthcoming from the relevant authorities.