The Presidency has 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 others were killed during the rescue operation.
According to the Presidency, the arrested suspects are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), with no concessions granted to secure the victims’ freedom.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the disclosure in a follow-up post on his verified X handle on Friday, shortly after announcing the successful rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers.
He also dismissed claims that the Federal Government agreed to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a suspected kingpin, stating that the individual remains in custody and is facing prosecution over terrorism-related offences.
He wrote, “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.
“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. The security agencies will give full account soon.”
Onanuga said security agencies would provide a detailed account of the operation in due course.
Tribune Online reports that the abduction had sparked fear across the affected communities after armed men invaded the schools and nearby areas, taking away pupils, teachers and other residents.
