Relief swept across Oyo State on Friday after all the pupils and teachers abducted in Orire Local Government Area regained their freedom following a security operation that led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers.
The rescue, confirmed by the Presidency, came days after concerns mounted over the fate of the victims, with officials stating that no ransom or prisoner swap was involved in securing their release.
Authorities also disclosed that some of the kidnappers were killed during the operation.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development in a post on his X account, describing the operation as a major success for Nigeria’s security agencies.
According to him, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers were rescued safely by security operatives after an intensive operation.
He further revealed that eight of the suspected kidnappers were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while others involved in the crime were neutralised during the operation.
Onanuga also dismissed reports suggesting that the Federal Government agreed to any form of negotiation with the abductors.
He stated that there was “no quid pro quo” in the rescue mission, explaining that one of the notorious gang leaders whose release had allegedly been demanded by the kidnappers remains in custody and is being prosecuted for previous criminal offences.
According to him, the government’s position remained firm that criminal suspects facing trial would not be exchanged for kidnapping victims.
“The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.
The successful rescue has been welcomed as a significant boost in the fight against kidnapping, a crime that has continued to threaten schools and communities across parts of the country.
In a separate development, the head teacher among the abductees expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for securing their freedom, describing the rescue as a life-saving intervention.
Although details of the operation have yet to be officially released by security authorities, the Presidency’s confirmation is expected to calm anxieties among families, residents and stakeholders who had closely followed the incident.
The abduction had sparked widespread concern over the safety of pupils and teachers, with renewed calls for stronger security around educational institutions and vulnerable communities.
Security agencies are expected to provide a comprehensive briefing on the circumstances surrounding the rescue operation and the arrests in the coming days.
