BREAKING: 8 Kidnappers Arrested, Others Eliminated As Oyo Pupils, Teachers Rescued

According to Ireporter Online, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the development in a statement shared via his official account on Friday.

Onanuga revealed that the arrested suspects have been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation and prosecution.

He added that security agencies would soon provide a comprehensive account of the operation, including details surrounding the rescue mission.

In his statement, the presidential spokesman clarified that no agreement was reached with the kidnappers in exchange for the victims’ freedom, stressing that one of the suspected terror kingpins whose release was allegedly demanded remains in custody and is facing prosecution for his alleged crimes.

“Eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some others were neutralised during the operation. There was no deal involving the release of any suspect, as the terrorist kingpin being demanded by the criminals is currently undergoing prosecution,” Onanuga stated.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, had earlier disclosed that the kidnappers threatened to harm the abducted pupils and teachers if security agencies attempted a rescue operation.

Speaking during a preview of an interview with News Central, Musa explained that the criminals were using the abducted victims as bargaining tools in an attempt to secure the release of some of their commanders held by security authorities.

The Defence Minister noted that the abduction was part of an effort by the terrorists to create pressure on the government, adding that security agencies remained committed to protecting citizens and bringing perpetrators to justice.