Eight kidnappers arrested, others neutralised as security operatives rescue abducted Oriire pupils, teachers
Eight suspected kidnappers have been arrested while several others were neutralised during a coordinated security operation that secured the freedom of pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the development on Friday, saying the operation was carried out without any concession to the abductors or compliance with their demands.
According to Onanuga, the Federal Government did not negotiate with the kidnappers or release the detained kingpin they had demanded as a condition for freeing the victims. He added that the eight arrested suspects are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while security agencies will provide a comprehensive briefing on the operation.
Reacting to the successful rescue, Governor Seyi Makinde commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the military and other security agencies for their coordinated efforts in securing the victims’ freedom.
The Oyo State Government also welcomed the development, describing the release of the victims as a significant milestone in its determination to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes through sustainable security measures.
The rescued pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 when heavily armed gunmen invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
The attack left one teacher dead, while another was later beheaded by the kidnappers in an incident that sparked widespread outrage across the country.
