The Federal Government on Friday confirmed the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers during a military-led operation that secured the freedom of teachers and pupils abducted from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, ending 56 days of captivity for the victims.
The Presidency said the coordinated rescue mission, carried out by personnel of the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, also led to the neutralisation of several members of the kidnapping syndicate, while all the abducted teachers and pupils were rescued unharmed.
President Bola Tinubu, who expressed delight over the outcome of the operation, hailed the security agencies for what he described as a heroic, intelligence-driven mission that brought relief to the affected families and the nation without any collateral damage.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the operation marked a significant victory in the Federal Government’s renewed offensive against kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.
“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” Tinubu said.
He added, “This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.”
The President lamented the trauma endured by the abducted teachers and pupils, as well as the anguish suffered by their families throughout the period of captivity.
He also vowed that those responsible for the crime would be brought to justice.
“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” the President declared.
Providing further details of the operation, the Presidency disclosed that the eight arrested suspects are currently in the custody of the DSS, while some of their accomplices were killed during the rescue mission.
It further revealed that the government did not negotiate or concede to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of one of their kingpins, who is currently standing trial for alleged criminal offences.
“There was no quid pro quo in the rescue as one of the terrorists, a kingpin, whose release the kidnappers demanded, is being prosecuted for his atrocities,” the statement noted, adding that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation in due course.
President Tinubu also commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the rescue process.
“I must commend the government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” he said.
The President subsequently directed relevant emergency response agencies to work closely with the Oyo State Government to ensure that the rescued teachers and pupils receive immediate medical attention, psychosocial care and other necessary relief support as they recover from their ordeal.
The successful operation comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to tackle the growing menace of kidnapping, particularly attacks targeting schools and vulnerable communities across the country.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
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