Eight Suspects Arrested In Oyo School Kidnap Rescue

The Presidency has confirmed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested while several others were neutralised during the successful rescue of the teachers and pupils abducted in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The Oyo school kidnap rescue operation ended with all the victims freed, according to presidential officials.

Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development in a post on his 𝕏 account on Friday. He said the arrested suspects are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while security agencies are expected to provide a detailed account of the operation.

According to Onanuga, there was no exchange or concession to secure the victims’ release. He explained that one of the terrorist leaders the kidnappers demanded should be freed remains in custody and is facing prosecution for alleged crimes. The Oyo school kidnap rescue was therefore carried out without meeting the demands of the abductors.

Earlier, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa disclosed that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the teachers and pupils if security forces attempted a rescue mission. He said the group wanted to use the victims as bargaining tools to secure the release of some of their commanders who are being held by security agencies.

Musa explained that the kidnappers believed holding the captives would pressure the authorities into releasing their detained leaders. He said: “For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander.”

The Oyo school kidnap rescue highlights the continued efforts of security agencies to respond to abduction cases while pursuing those responsible.

What more should be done to improve security around schools and prevent future abductions?