The Presidency on Friday disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been arrested, while several others were killed during the rescue operation that secured the victims’ freedom.
The Presidency also insisted that no ransom was paid and no deal was reached with the kidnappers to secure the release of the victims, dismissing suggestions that the Federal Government granted any concession to the criminal group.
The fresh details were provided by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a follow-up statement posted on his verified X account, hours after he announced that the abducted pupils and teachers had regained their freedom.
According to Onanuga, the operation was carried out by security agencies, leading to the arrest of eight members of the kidnapping gang, who are now being held by the Department of State Services (DSS).
He also disclosed that some members of the gang were neutralised during the operation, although he did not state the exact number of those 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 further explained that there was no exchange or concession to secure the release of the victims, despite demands reportedly made by the kidnappers.
According to him, one of the major conditions presented by the abductors was the release of a suspected terrorist kingpin currently facing prosecution for serious crimes.
However, the Presidency said the government rejected the demand.
“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,” Onanuga stated.
He added that the suspect remains in custody and is still facing prosecution over offences linked to terrorist activities.
The presidential aide said security agencies would soon provide a full account of how the rescue operation was carried out.
“The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
The latest update came after relief spread across Oyo State and other parts of the country following news that the kidnapped pupils and teachers had regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity.
The victims were abducted on May 15 when heavily armed gunmen invaded three schools in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Orire Local Government Area.
The attack shocked residents as the assailants stormed the schools during school hours and whisked away pupils and teachers into nearby forests.
During the attack, one teacher was reportedly killed by the gunmen.
The situation became even more disturbing days later when the kidnappers released a video showing another teacher being beheaded, a development that drew widespread condemnation from Nigerians and renewed concerns over growing attacks on schools.
The killing of the teachers triggered public outrage, with many calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining captives and bring those responsible to justice.
Following the abduction, security agencies launched coordinated operations across parts of Oyo State and neighbouring areas in search of the victims.
The Oyo State Government also repeatedly assured residents that every effort was being made to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier vowed that the government would not relent until all those kidnapped were rescued safely.
The successful rescue has now brought relief to the affected families, communities and school authorities, many of whom had lived in fear and uncertainty since the attack occurred.
The Presidency’s insistence that no concession was made is significant because ransom payments and prisoner exchanges have remained controversial issues in Nigeria’s fight against kidnapping and terrorism.
Successive governments have maintained that negotiating with terrorists or granting concessions to violent criminal groups undermines national security and strengthens criminal networks.
School abductions have become one of Nigeria’s major security challenges over the past few years, especially in parts of the North-West and North-Central. Although the South-West has recorded fewer such incidents, the attack in Orire Local Government Area raised fresh concerns that kidnapping gangs are expanding their operations into new areas.
The Federal Government has continued to strengthen joint security operations involving the military, the Department of State Services, the police and other security agencies to tackle kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes across the country.
With eight suspects now in custody and others reportedly killed during the operation, attention is expected to shift to the investigation and prosecution of those arrested.
Many Nigerians are also awaiting the detailed briefing promised by security agencies, which is expected to provide a clearer picture of how the rescue was carried out and the intelligence that led to the successful operation.
For the rescued pupils, teachers and their families, however, the end of weeks in captivity marks the beginning of recovery after a traumatic experience that captured national attention and once again highlighted the urgent need to improve security around schools across the country.